Defence seeks tech boost
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The Department of Defence has unveiled a three-year plan to modernise its digital infrastructure.
Defence says it wants to enhance the nation’s defence capabilities in an era of rapid technological advancement with the Defence Digital Strategy and Roadmap 2024.
The roadmap is informed by the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the 2024 Integrated Investment Program, which highlight the vital role that digital technology plays in safeguarding Australia's national interests.
The roadmap is structured around nine key areas of information and communication technology, with a strong focus on security and modernisation.
It prioritises three main objectives: building a world-class defence workforce, leveraging cutting-edge global platforms, and developing robust sovereign capabilities.
Key elements of the strategy include a transition from outdated, on-premises systems to a cloud-based infrastructure. This shift is designed to improve resilience, flexibility, and operational efficiency across the Defence Force.
Notably, the roadmap calls for the migration of productivity tools and the adoption of a Windows 11-compatible virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) within the first year.
This transition also includes the deployment of advanced enterprise mobility solutions and the gradual phasing out of legacy systems.
In addition to these infrastructure upgrades, the Defence strategy places a significant emphasis on cybersecurity.
The plan includes the development of a new Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform, and the implementation of identity and privileged access management systems geared towards achieving a zero-trust security model.
This approach reflects the increasing complexity of modern threats and the need for a robust defence against cyberattacks.
The strategy also involves the adoption of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
These technologies are expected to enhance Defence’s digital platforms, providing improved capabilities in areas such as cybersecurity and operational efficiency.
The roadmap indicates that AI and ML will be integrated across all digital domains within the Defence ecosystem, including business process optimisation and the development of new capabilities tailored to Defence operations.
It is intended to improve financial efficiency through initiatives such as Program Hornet, which aims to reallocate sustainment cash flows to invest in superior solutions and reduce financial waste.