Collaborate to innovate – Building resilient supply chains for defence excellence

by Jerry Sanham, Director of Business Development, Filtronic

While offering undeniable economic advantages, global interdependence presents growing concerns for nations reliant on external sources for critical technologies. A robust sovereign supply chain for the defence industry is no longer just an option, but a must. Here, Jerry Sanham, Business Development Director at Microwave and mmWave subsystem manufacturer Filtronic, explores how building a domestic ecosystem for key defence technologies fosters long-term resilience, mitigates geopolitical vulnerabilities and unlocks the potential for technological advancements within the sector.

Microwave and mmWave technology is experiencing rapid advancements, with new applications constantly emerging across various industries. In defence, these technologies play a crucial role in radar systems, electronic warfare and secure communications. For example, advanced phased array radars utilising mmWave frequencies designed for use in missile seekers offer improved resolution and target detection capabilities. Similarly, RF technologies enable sophisticated jamming and counter-jamming systems, critical for maintaining tactical advantage in contested environments.

Innovation in these fields often involves pushing the boundaries of what's possible with electromagnetic spectrum manipulation. This might include developing more efficient power amplifiers for extended range communications, creating more sensitive receivers for improved signal detection or designing novel antenna arrays for enhanced beam-forming capabilities. Each of these advancements requires deep expertise and cutting-edge manufacturing processes, which are typically found in specialised companies at the forefront of Microwave and mmWave technology.

Collaborating with partners who will change the dial on operations is crucial. It's not about maintaining the status quo; it's about evolution and continuous improvement. Companies must find partners that are committed to innovation and are capable of driving significant improvements. This means looking for entities that are not only adept at current technologies but are also pioneers in developing next-generation solutions - such partnerships enable businesses to remain competitive and resilient.

For example, in mmWave technology, partners might be working on developing more efficient and compact power amplifiers that can operate at higher frequencies. This could involve exploring new semiconductor materials or novel circuit designs to overcome the challenges of signal attenuation and power efficiency at these frequencies. In the Microwave domain, innovation might focus on creating more versatile software-defined radios that can adapt to various communication protocols and frequency bands, enhancing interoperability in multi-national defence operations.

By aligning with forward-thinking partners, companies can ensure they are not merely adapting to changes, but are actively shaping the future of their industry. This proactive stance is essential in the defence sector, where technological advantage can provide a critical edge.

However, the strength of a company is intrinsically linked to the robustness of its supply chain and the SMEs within it - a sovereign supply chain is only as strong as the SMEs that form its backbone. These SMEs provide the agility and specialised capabilities that larger entities might lack.

By fostering a network of resilient and innovative SMEs, the overall supply chain becomes more adaptable and capable of withstanding various disruptions, whether geopolitical, economic or technological. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining continuous progress and stability in the supply chain.

Moreover, SMEs often serve as incubators for new ideas and technologies. Their smaller size and focused approach allow them to take risks and explore novel concepts that might be deemed too speculative for larger corporations. This entrepreneurial spirit is vital for driving innovation, where breakthroughs often come from unconventional approaches to longstanding challenges.

SMEs working on defence programmes often hold contracts which require them to safeguard security classified assets. A Facility Security Clearance (FSC) is required to ensure the Supplier meets and maintains the required protective security controls to safeguard these classified assets.

JOSCAR (Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a collaborative tool used by the aerospace, defence and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance data. Defence purchasers use JOSCAR to determine if a supplier is "fit for business". The JOSCAR Registration Mark is valued by some of the largest purchasers such as BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, Raytheon UK, Thales and The UK Ministry of Defence to name but a few.

Furthermore, working with certified facilities provides assurance that the entire supply chain - from raw materials to finished products - is secure and fully traceable. This is particularly important for Microwave and mmWave components, where the performance and reliability of each element can have significant implications for the overall system. Certified manufacturers must maintain full traceability and detailed records of their processes, materials and quality control measures, allowing for comprehensive audits and ensuring that any issues can be quickly identified and addressed.

The trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS) further underscores the importance of a coordinated approach to defence supply chains. By leveraging the combined strengths and resources of these nations, a more secure and efficient supply chain can be developed. Each country brings unique capabilities and expertise to the table.

By working together, these countries can enhance their collective resilience and technological capabilities, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of defence innovations. This collaboration allows for the sharing of best practices, joint research initiatives and the development of interoperable systems. For example, the partnership could lead to the creation of advanced, multi-national communication networks that seamlessly integrate different countries' Microwave and mmWave technologies, enhancing coordination in joint military operations.

Moreover, the AUKUS partnership can help address some of the challenges inherent in maintaining a sovereign supply chain. By pooling resources and expertise, the three nations can share the costs of expensive research and development projects and create a larger market for specialised RF and mmWave components. This economy of scale can help sustain a more diverse and robust supply chain, supporting SMEs and larger manufacturers alike.

The collaboration is essential for addressing the complex challenges that arise in maintaining a sovereign supply chain. These challenges include ensuring a steady supply of rare earth materials, crucial for many RF and mmWave components, and developing resilient manufacturing processes that can withstand global disruptions. By combining their efforts, Australia, the UK and the US can create a more robust and adaptive supply chain ecosystem, better equipped to meet the evolving needs of modern defence systems.

By forging strategic alliances with industry leaders, nations can drive innovation in critical areas such as phased array radars and electronic warfare systems. These partnerships enable the development of cutting-edge technologies like more efficient power amplifiers and advanced beam-forming capabilities - crucial for maintaining tactical superiority.

Fostering robust SME networks is equally vital. These agile entities often spearhead niche innovations, such as high-performance mmWave subsystems for satellite communications or specialised microwave filters for advanced radar systems. Their contributions strengthen the overall supply chain, making it more adaptable to technological and geopolitical shifts.

Working with a leader in the industry, such as Filtronic, allows companies to access cutting-edge technology and expertise that drive this innovation. Leaders in the field of RF and mmWave technologies are not just keeping pace with the latest developments; they are setting the pace. This proactive approach ensures that advancements remain ahead of global competitors. By partnering with industry frontrunners, companies can leverage their capabilities to explore new frontiers, ensuring their technologies remain at the cutting edge and cultivating a sovereign supply chain that is both innovative and resilient.

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