The Army is developing a strategy to implement a digital engineering environment to accelerate weapons systems development, reduce costs and risks, signed by Gabe Camarillo and led by Jennifer Swanson. The defense industry is already using digital engineering for various projects.
The directive policy has four focus areas: establish digital engineering focus areas, promote interoperability, monitor pathfinder programs, and develop talent. The Army has three focus areas: Ground vehicles, aviation, and sensors.
Challenges faced by the XM30 program highlighted issues with lack of digital engineering experience and interoperable tools in the industry. The Army is working through these challenges to enhance digital engineering capabilities. Pathfinder programs, such as Integrated Fires Mission Command and various helicopters, guide the Army’s digital engineering transformation.
Extending digital engineering capabilities beyond development will be a challenge for the Army. The goal is to build digital threads from requirements to sustainment, involving all partners in the acquisition process.
