Motivation

Software is the critical enabling technology for modern platforms and network enabled capability.

• Software accounts for around 20% of the UK defence procurement budget and a significant proportion of support costs.
• Platforms such as Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II have 80-90% of their functions enabled by software.
• Software acquisition and development often results in significant project risks that impact on budget, schedule or customer needs.

Mastering the growth and complexity of software-intensive systems is critical to the future of military capability.

SSEI

Meeting the challenges of software systems engineering will require a coordinated national effort. The SSEI is a strategic initiative intended to enhance through life capability management for software intensive defence systems. The SSEI will conduct applied research to define and develop best practice, while assisting projects to deploy improved capabilities and reduce risks. The SSEI will draw on expertise across industry and academia to provide consistent world-class advice and assistance to the MOD and UK defence industry through ‘additional services’.