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Industry Insights | Update TK August 22, 2025

Multi-domain integration in defence

Setting the stage to transform strategic defense operations

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As threats evolve and the operational environment becomes increasingly complex, the success of modern defense relies on seamless integration across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains. Digital integration is crucial for defense organizations to achieve multi-domain integration (MDI), a goal echoed in NATO’s Multi Domain Operations (MDO) guiding principles: agility, interconnectivity, unity and creativity. These principles lay the groundwork for strategic transformation in defense.

• Agility: Adapt rapidly to changing circumstances and threats across domains

• Interconnectivity: Share information and coordinate seamlessly across services, allies and domains

• Unity: Align capabilities and intent toward shared objectives

• Creativity: Innovate and employ novel operational and strategic approaches

Modern adversaries exploit digital networks, AI and autonomous platforms with agility, while quantum technologies loom as disruptors. As a result, defense forces need to break down silos and integrate both legacy and modern systems into secure, interoperable digital backbones. This requires the adoption of open standards, modular architectures and robust APIs to facilitate real-time data sharing and the rapid deployment of mission-critical applications.

MDI also involves addressing both confronting organizational and technical debt, those inefficiencies and outdated systems that limit adaptability. It’s essential to proactively tackle infrastructure, application, UX, data and process debt through unified strategies and creative problem-solving. A connected digital ecosystem can reduce duplication and accelerate both innovation and resilience.

Yet, technology alone is insufficient. Cultural and organizational transformation is equally vital. At a recent Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) conference, NAVWAR Commander Rear Adm. Seiko Okano summed it up: “NAVWAR is at the center of a significant shift in warfare — where...the fight is increasingly multi-domain and multi-spectral,” she said. “The challenge is breaking down silos, fostering collaboration and instilling a culture that embraces rapid change to meet the demands of modern conflict.”

Empowering cross-domain collaboration and embedding mission command principles cultivates a workforce capable of rapid adaptation. Resilience must be built into every layer of operations, ensuring effectiveness amidst disruption.

Establish a multi-domain integration foothold

To realize MDI’s full potential, defense organisations should:

• Build and sustain a digital backbone supporting integration across domains and allies

• Implement strategies to reduce technical debt and enhance agility

• Adopt open standards to unlock integration of emerging technologies

• Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation

• Invest in secure communications to maintain information dominance

True integration goes beyond military alliances. It requires strong partnerships with government, academia and industry. Training and education should encompass the entire life cycle, while intuitive system design can accelerate adoption.

By combining diverse multidimensional strengths, defense forces can modernize their capabilities, drive innovation and maintain a strategic advantage. This holistic approach allows for operational synergy and resilience both now and into the future.