In Defence we need to position ourselves ahead of our adversaries by sensing, recognising, and responding to opportunities and threats faster than our challengers. We need data driven, interconnected digital services that integrate with our partners and allies, helping us make better, more informed decisions.
To this end, the Defence Digital Networks Category team within Defence Digital will hold a roundtable discussion on Tuesday 3 September 2024 for companies to engage with MOD to help develop a plan for the future of Defence Fixed Networks as well as Voice, Video and Mobile Communications services.
Areas of key focus for MOD are:
- Secure By Design - the Government is working to protect UK citizens and businesses from the threats posed by poorly secured consumer connectable products (such as 'IoT' or 'smart' devices), as well as ensuring we can react appropriately to evolving cyber threats. We need to work with our supply chain and embrace the innovation that is critical to delivering the security and resilience needed.
- Assurance of supply and our supply chains - we are seeking access to a secure and resilient supply base which can meet our security objectives.
- Disaggregation - we are keen to open the market to small and medium-sized enterprises and avoid future vendor lock in.
Developing the requirements for our future networks, focusing on outcomes and development of our Intelligent Client Function.
- Innovation and Collaboration - this will increase the flexibility of the services provided and allow us to work in a more agile way.
- Driving value for money - we will focus on maximising value to the taxpayer whilst ensuring we have flexible networks available to our users to manage any global events which arise.
- Social Value - we are looking to standardise to appropriate measures across networks to ensure consistency and clarity as to our requirements. This will allow focus on the delivery of the capability and achieving value for money. Priority Model Award Criteria deemed to have a greater impact on the services / requirements purchased across Networks are:
- Fighting Climate Change
- Tackling Economic Inequality – Increase supply chain resilience and capacity.
- Tackling Economic Inequality – Create new jobs and skills.
This is an opportunity for industry to contribute to ensuring a better future for Defence Networks.
Fred Sugden
Fred Sugden
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07985 234 170
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy is the programme manager responsible for the defence programme, which works to help the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence including Defence Digital.
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). In that role he coordinated the team’s research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.
Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Upcoming defence events
Digital Networks in Defence - Fixed Connectivity industry roundtable
London Roundtable
Information Superiority Forum Briefing with Brig Mike Morton, Head of Digital Strategy, Defence Digital
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