Shripathi V, Lead, Aerospace Technical Division, Indo-Pacific, Hexagon

 Defence organisations are under growing pressure to ensure broader security from expanding threats, while grappling with technology updates, rising costs, and operational challenges. They must also transform to become more agile and responsive to ever-changing geopolitical risks, technological innovations, and shifting priorities.

Often, delivering on time and within budget are the most formidable challenges that the defence industry faces when developing the capability of increasing sophistication and complexity.

In a period where national interests intersect with global concerns, it is fundamental for defence organisations to use funds judiciously, maximizing value and outcomes for every dollar spent. After a decade of predictability, with Australia’s last Defence Strategic Review (DSR)[1] taking place 11 years ago, the recent DSR—announced in April last year—along with the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), highlights the Australian government’s commitment in enhancing defence capabilities.

These renewed commitments emphasize the importance of collaboration among government bodies, industry, and defence unions.

To keep up with an operating environment awash with fresh challenges, the Australian government has committed to a $3.4 billion investment over the next decade, as outlined in the ASCA[2], to reconfigure its defence sector. This investment ultimately aims to acquire vital capabilities and is expected to foster job creation within the industry.

To discuss further on this topic, we interviewed Shripathi V, the Lead for Hexagon’s Aerospace Technical Division for the Indo-Pacific region, to discuss how these technological and strategic developments align with Australia’s pursuit of agility, engineering compliance, and sustainable innovation.

With Australia at a strategic point in reshaping its defence sector, how do you view the impact of recent initiatives like the Defence Strategic Review(DSR) and the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator(ASCA)?

 These initiatives represent a pivotal moment for Australia’s defence sector. The DSR and ASCA act as catalysts for broader transformation, highlighting the need for an agile, forward-thinking, and collaboratively engineered defence structure.

 In essence, the review recommends substantial reforms in defence structure, posture, and operations to meet Australia’s current strategic circumstances, including the reprioritisation of the Defence Integrated Investment Program (IIP). The DSR also concludes that more effective support for innovation, expedited acquisition, and strengthened links between Defence and industry are necessary to deliver the capabilities required by the Australian Defence Force.

This structure must be robust and adaptable to the rapidly changing global dynamics. Significantly, governments with a focus on the future must embrace digital transformations to thrive, especially at a time when innovation and disruption occur rapidly.

Forward-looking budgets are also crucial, as they help model the costs and benefits of potential changes to the organisation’s policies, processes, or objectives—a key assessment in any transformation.

As a global leader in digital reality solutions, how does Hexagon’s technology align with these strategic developments?

 At Hexagon, we bridge the gap between engineering and the factory floor. We harness the power of digital technology to meet immediate tactical needs while paving the way for long-term strategic goals. As leaders in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), our technologies are pivotal in 90% of the aerospace sector, 95% of the automotive industry, and 85% of mobile devices.

Through the delivery of enhanced computer-aided virtual prototyping, test methods, simulation software, services, training, and support, we assist manufacturers across industries in developing some of the most innovative, high-performing, and safe products in the world.

However, one of the most critical resources for defence organisations is information, which includes a strong digital and technological infrastructure, as well as robust, data-driven decision-making systems empowered by artificial intelligence.

I can relate this to Hexagon’s approach in aerospace innovation, which ensures that all materials and parts meet the highest standards before being used in aircraft. By combining detailed testing with simulations, we ensure that everything from the smallest component to the entire aircraft can safely and efficiently meet the demands of flight.

Similarly, in the defence industry, this careful verification aligns with Australia’s defence goals as certification plays an increasingly vital role. Historical lessons from aviation safety have made this clear. Certification acts as a crucial safeguard, ensuring that technological advancements protect lives and maintain operational integrity.

As new systems and capabilities are introduced, certification is the fundamental process that verifies these innovations meet the stringent safety and performance standards necessary for the defence sector. It’s not just about compliance. It’s about maintaining the highest level of trust and security in an industry where there is no margin for error.

Can you expand on the role of digital twins and the Nexus platform in revolutionising defence manufacturing?

 Across the full value stream, a new phase of the manufacturing floors, with its echoes of the past, is already here. However, implementing change can be difficult within both industry and government, especially because defence ministries, national security policy arms, and other related government agencies are often large and bureaucratic.

To overcome this, a cost-effective response to whatever the operational issue is best achieved when technologies are put to work to deliver on both immediate tactical objectives and long-term strategic digital transformation goals.

This involves capturing reality by digitally collecting process data from both physical and digital machines and systems for use across operations, running advanced simulations to inform or correct processes, and providing feedback to operations by visualising key parameters and returning useful information to where it’s needed most.

On this count, Hexagon is an authority in applying digital reality solutions to the aerospace and defence sectors. By facilitating smart manufacturing, digital twins are instrumental in virtual design testing and adjustments, critical for achieving a ‘right-first-time’ approach.

Our cloud-based platform, Nexus, is the perfect example of this, significantly enhancing operational agility and smarter decision-making, as evidenced in the aerospace industry’s complex assembly environments.

In practice, Nexus accelerates innovation by breaking down bottlenecks. It connects teams, data, and processes in real-time, fostering a collaborative environment that is essential for rapid and informed decision-making.

Finally, what’s your take on the evolving collaboration between government, industry, and unions in Australia’s defence sector?

 Ultimately, growing defence threats, coupled with budget pressures, have reconfigured the defence supply chain. The collaboration we’re witnessing is unprecedented and essential, forming a three-pronged partnership that integrates policy, technology, and workforce expertise.

This synergy is crucial for achieving the ambitious goals of initiatives like the DSR and ASCA. It’s about leveraging collective strengths to build a defence sector that is robust, resilient, and responsive to future challenges.

About Shripathi V – Lead, Aerospace Technical Division, Indo-Pacific, Hexagon

 Shripathi started his career at the Indian Institute of Science as a Project Engineer and worked on analysis of Drones/UAVs, satellite systems and subsystems. He has been with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence for a decade, focusing on Aeroelasticity, Structural dynamics, Optimisation, Thermal, Composites, and various integrated simulation solutions.

 Shripathi has the credit of implementing various advanced simulation solutions at global OEMs. He has played a crucial role in providing integrated simulations for indigenous Indian Defense projects. Currently, he is involved in various Indian Government-owned and private space programs.

[1] Source: Department of Defence. (2023, April 24). Strong partnership with industry to implement Defence Strategic Review. https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases

[2] Source: Department of Defence. (2023, April 28). Government announces most significant reshaping of Defence innovation in decades to boost national security. https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases