Empowering Aerospace and Defense with Smarter, Sustainable, and Secure Solutions

December, 2024

Aerospace and Defense (A&D) enterprises are responding to industry demands by advancing sustainable aviation through R&D in cleaner propulsion systems and adopting zero-emissions technologies such as hydrogen-powered engines. They are enhancing supply chain resilience using AI, blockchain, and digital threads while integrating predictive analytics and reshoring strategies to address geopolitical risks. Additionally, they are investing in advanced cybersecurity frameworks, generative AI, and quantum computing for innovation and operational efficiency while modernizing their workforce with AR/VR and AI-driven training to address the skills shortage. A&D companies collaborate with service providers for digital transformation, which requires strong technological expertise and delivery capabilities.

Both demand-side and supply-side trends are covered in our Aerospace and Defense Digital Services 2024 Market Insights™ and Aerospace and Defense Digital Services 2024 RadarView™, respectively. These reports present a comprehensive study of digital service providers in the A&D industry, including top trends, analysis, and recommendations. The RadarView also takes a close look at the leaders, innovators, disruptors, and challengers in this market.

We evaluated 48 service providers across three dimensions: practice maturity, partner ecosystem, and investments and innovation. Of the 48 providers, we recognized 18 that brought the most value to the market over the past 12 months.

The reports recognize service providers across four categories:

    • Leaders: Accenture, Capgemini, DXC, HCLTech, and TCS
    • Innovators: Booz Allen Hamilton, Cognizant, GDIT, SAP, and Tech Mahindra
    • Disruptors: CACI, Infosys, LTTS, and Leidos
    • Challengers: Genpact, Hitachi Digital Services, Kyndryl, and SAIC

Figure 1 below from the full report illustrates these categories:

MoneyShot View Aerospace and Defense Digital Services 2024 1030x543 - Empowering Aerospace and Defense with Smarter, Sustainable, and Secure Solutions

“There is a promising future for A&D enterprises, with increased investment in both commercial and defense sectors, with a key focus on sustainable aviation, AI-driven supply chain optimization, MRO enhancement, and cybersecurity,” said Naresh Lachmandas, senior partner at Avasant. “They are modernizing their workforce, addressing the skills gap by upskilling, and expanding global capability centers to ensure operational growth.”

The reports provide several findings, including the following:

    • A&D companies are accelerating the shift toward sustainable aviation through innovation and collaboration.
    • Building resilient supply chains amid global disruptions is helping A&D enterprises address vulnerabilities in sourcing, logistics, and supplier dependencies.
    • A&D firms are adopting cutting-edge solutions such as AI, robotics, and digital twins to revolutionize Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.
    • Rising cyber threats are driving strategic investments in cybersecurity and defense technologies in the A&D industry.
    • The enterprises are harnessing generative AI and quantum computing for innovation in the A&D industry.
    • Companies are enabling advanced A&D systems to achieve workforce modernization to address talent gaps.

“Service providers in the A&D industry are harnessing technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and AR/VR for cybersecurity, driving sustainability initiatives, reducing operational costs, and modernizing workforce capabilities to address dynamic industry needs,” said Jyotika Jain, senior research analyst at Avasant.

The RadarView also features detailed profiles of 18 service providers, along with their solutions, offerings, and experience in assisting A&D enterprises in their digital transformation journeys.


This Research Byte provides a brief overview of Avasant’s Aerospace and Defense Digital Services 2024 Market Insights™ and Aerospace and Defense Digital Services 2024 RadarView™ (click for pricing).