COTS in Defence: advancing innovation and efficiency
by Blu Wireless
In recent years, the defence sector has witnessed a significant increase in the adoption of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology. This shift is transforming military communications, Electronic Warfare (EW) and more. There are numerous potential COTS use cases for improving defence capabilities, reducing costs and accelerating innovation.
COTS benefits in defence
Military technology has traditionally been developed through lengthy, expensive processes that yield custom solutions. These bespoke systems, whilst effective, often lag behind the swift advancement of commercial technology. However, during World War Two, the process was much simpler; the conversion of automobile factories into aeroplane factories aided this process significantly.
Currently, COTS aims to address this gap. A prime example of successful implementation is Elon Musk’s commercial satellite system, Starlink. Here, an independent commercial company has successfully developed a strategy to launch multiple satellite systems each year, providing internet service directly to consumers. This principle applies to the defence industry as well. By using technologies proven in the commercial market, we can introduce advanced capabilities to defence systems more quickly and cost-effectively. This is especially important for tactical communications and EW, where staying ahead of potential threats is critical.
It is important to bear in mind that COTS can also act as a buffer against scope creep, an all-too-common issue for the defence industry. This refers to the gradual and often uncontrolled expansion of a project’s scope beyond its original objectives. COTS helps prevent scope creep by offering predefined features and limited customisation, ensuring projects stay within their original boundaries. This, in turn, reduces the risks of delays or budget overruns.
Communication evolution: from voice to data
COTS is making a significant impact on military communications. We are transitioning from voice-focused systems to data-rich environments that give commanders extensive situational awareness. This change enables military leaders to access real-time video feeds, view precise force locations and make decisions based on immediately available information. This progression mirrors civilian smartphone evolution, with one key difference: the need for security and resilience in hostile environments. Blu Wireless addresses this by offering private network solutions that provide commercial technology benefits without compromising on military-grade security.
Electronic warfare and COTS integration
In Electronic Warfare (EW), COTS is proving highly effective. The rapid evolution of commercial wireless technologies enables more advanced EW capabilities, including Low Probability of Detection (LPD) features. By adopting COTS solutions, defence organisations can swiftly integrate sophisticated signal processing and software-defined radio technologies, improving their ability to detect, analyse and counter enemy communications and radar systems while maintaining stealthy operations through LPD techniques.
Safety and reliability
The defence sector can learn from the aviation industry’s COTS approach. Aviation increasingly uses safety-certifiable COTS components in critical systems, meeting strict Design Assurance Levels (DALs) through clever system design and redundancy. Similarly, defence applications can use COTS hardware and software to create reliable systems. Using strategies like dissimilar redundant architectures can reduce common mode failures and achieve the high reliability needed for mission-critical operations.
COTS for future defence
Blu Wireless is leading the introduction of COTS solutions to the defence sector. Our high-speed wireless technology, initially developed for civilian use, is now adapted for military applications. We provide armed forces with private network solutions offering the speed and flexibility of commercial 5G networks, but with defence-grade security and resilience. Our approach delivers a key COTS advantage: the ability to modify and adapt commercial innovations for specific military needs. This helps to reduce development costs and allows for quick improvement as the underlying technology advances.
Challenges and future outlook
The adoption of COTS in defence marks a transformative shift, reshaping how the industry approaches innovation and efficiency. By rapidly advancing commercial technologies, the defence sector is enhancing its capabilities, reducing costs and accelerating the deployment of cutting-edge systems. As we look ahead, the convergence of commercial and military technologies will intensify, promising more agile and powerful defence solutions.
The challenge now lies in maximising COTS potential whilst addressing security concerns and balancing rapid commercial cycles with long-term defence needs. As Blu Wireless continues to push boundaries in military communications and Electronic Warfare, one thing is clear: the future of defence technology is increasingly commercial and innovative. Those who embrace this reality will be best positioned to address evolving global security challenges.