NTT DATA helps defense organizations modernize and scale securely

As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the global security landscape, defense manufacturers face increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure, accelerate production and secure data across complex supply chains. Many organizations, particularly in Europe, are struggling to meet production goals while managing talent shortages and navigating regulatory constraints.

The challenge: Infrastructure under pressure

Modern defense manufacturing requires more than traditional production capabilities. You need secure access to real-time data across systems to coordinate production, share intelligence and deliver assets on time. Strict data sovereignty requirements, supply-chain disruptions and evolving cyberthreats add complexity that legacy technologies cannot support.

We help organizations move beyond these constraints with secure, adaptable digital foundations that support fast, resilient production and continuous operational awareness.

Five pillars of operational advantage

NTT DATA’s end-to-end capabilities help defense manufacturers address critical challenges across five key areas.

• Accelerating production
  We help organizations increase production speed with real-time, AI-enabled insights and intelligent supply-chain systems. This shift from hardware-defined to software-enabled production supports consistent, resilient coordination across programs.
• Ensuring digital sovereignty
  We deliver sovereign cloud and data center solutions supported by our global IP backbone, ensuring compliant and traceable data flows within national borders. This helps you maintain control over sensitive information across your ecosystem.
• Strengthening cybersecurity
  We embed advanced cybersecurity throughout the operating environment, helping you adapt to evolving threats. Our approach integrates zero trust architecture, managed threat intelligence and readiness for post-quantum encryption.
• Improving operational resilience
  Our connected infrastructure supports continuous operations during incidents and disruption. With AI-enabled private cloud, agile data center networks, private 5G and Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) technologies, you gain reliable, high-bandwidth connectivity across environments.
• Advancing AI-enabled production
  By connecting design, engineering and production under an AI-enabled operating model, we help accelerate throughput and bring new solutions to market more efficiently.

Proven capabilities at scale

Our expertise is strengthened by long-standing partnerships and deep technological capability. NTT DATA’s global IP backbone — one of the largest worldwide — supports cloud-neutral, fully auditable infrastructure that helps ensure sensitive information remains within chosen regions or nations.

This capability has been demonstrated in real-world deployments. Working with Fraport AG, NTT DATA implemented a private 5G network across 2,500 hectares of Frankfurt Airport, enabling new operational use cases. Through a nearly 20-year partnership with the U.S. Air Force, we have modernized software development and replatformed critical systems, supporting $18 billion in inventory for 100,000 users while saving $25 million annually in hosting costs.

As part of NTT Group — which invests more than $3 billion annually in research and development — we deliver innovation in AI-enabled manufacturing, digital twins, operator training and intelligent supply chain orchestration. Our solutions incorporate more than 1,000 AI agents to optimize performance, security and cost in real time.

Global reach, local expertise

With 48,000 team members across 70 delivery centers on five continents, NTT DATA supports 6 million assets for 6,000 clients and provides services in 20 languages. This global presence, combined with local expertise, enables us to support clients from initial design to real-time integration in the field.

Looking forward

NTT DATA’s approach supports the most critical priorities of defense manufacturers working to modernize and scale operations. From infrastructure modernization and AI-enabled analytics to sovereign data management and strengthened cybersecurity, we provide the technologies organizations need to stay resilient in a rapidly changing security environment.

With a proven record of delivering complex modernization programs, we help defense organizations build operational readiness and agility through cloud-neutral, data-sovereign and AI-enabled solutions designed for speed, resilience and trust. As production demands grow and security requirements intensify, the ability to rely on a partner who can support scalable, secure and future-ready operations will become increasingly important.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Read more about how NTT DATA helps defense organizations meet today’s requirements while preparing for tomorrow’s uncertainties.

Pieter Minack is a seasoned technology leader with deep expertise in business strategy, enterprise architecture and CxO advisory. Currently active as the Industry CTO – Federal and Defense in DACH at NTT DATA, he has over 15 years of experience across public and military sectors.

Pieter previously held the role of CIO at IHP, where he led global IT operations and advanced the institute’s reputation as a top-tier European research hub for silicon and chip technologies. His career began in the German Armed Forces, where he specialized in military communications and intelligence, supporting diplomatic missions and leading electronic warfare operations.

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