DSEI UK | August 22, 2025

DevSecOps: Enabling secure, rapid delivery in defence environments 

Accelerating software development while lowering costs and driving security

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Defence organisations operate in environments characterised by constant change, compressed timelines and increasing security risk. To meet these challenges, many are turning to Agile and DevSecOps practices that accelerate software development while embedding resilience and assurance throughout the process.

DevSecOps integrates security into every stage of the development life cycle. Instead of treating security as a final hurdle, teams adopt practices such as secure coding, vulnerability scanning and automated compliance checks from the start. This approach helps reduce rework, contain costs and ensure faster, more assured delivery. Agile methods complement this by emphasizing short development cycles, continuous feedback and cross-functional collaboration. Together, these practices provide a more adaptable approach to building digital solutions that are secure by design.

Embedding security in frontline delivery tools

When applied correctly, this combination can have meaningful impact. For example, DXC worked with a defence client to quickly and securely supply digital products to frontline units. The organisation adopted Scaled Agile Framework principles and a DevSecOps delivery model based on microservices and containerisation.

Tools were developed to accelerate delivery, while ensuring security and compliance at every stage of the development life cycle. As a result there was a significant reduction in the time required to deploy operational outputs, improved user onboarding, and increased confidence in security, even in sensitive coding environments.

Readiness, responsiveness and trust in digital systems

Agile practices and DevSecOps also enable cultural transformation. By fostering shared responsibility, encouraging iterative processes and supporting structured innovation, these practices allow teams to implement change with speed and with greater confidence. When combined with modern architectures, automation and continuous monitoring, they establish a foundation for resilient and scalable digital operations.

Adopting these practices can help defence teams innovate quickly, operate safely and deliver mission-ready solutions with speed.