Aerospace, space and defense

From strategy to execution – we enable our clients to shape the future of the aerospace, space and defense industry

At-scale strategy for top-flight innovators

The A&D sector is at a crossroads. As international trade agreements continue to change, geopolitical power shifts and new entrants spread their wings, leading companies must focus on innovation as part of a coherent capabilities-driven strategy.

To keep pace with the industry’s rapid transformation, traditional slow-walking R&D efforts must be revised. Cybersecurity, integrated circuits, drones, small electric airplanes and augmented reality will require new ways of working, including venture capital–style investments in startups. It’s critical to make the right R&D decisions now.

How we help clients

Digital and technology strategy

We help clients integrate IT with business strategy, solving challenges from the start and creating new growth opportunities for the future. Service offerings include capabilities architecture, digital strategy and transformation, a technology-targeted Fit for Growth approach, and analytics and data management.

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Operations strategy

We help clients optimise operations by focusing on differentiated capabilities for continuous and sustained innovation in manufacturing, supply chain, capital assets, general and administrative operations, enterprise-wide operational excellence, digital operations, and customer operations.

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Organization strategy and transformation

Our experts know how to realign organisational priorities, uncover strategic M&A openings, improved operational efficiency and competitiveness through post-merger integration, and use objective-driven change initiatives to steer transformation.

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Impact

Optimising the finance capabilities for a leading A&D company

A leading aerospace and defence company engaged Strategy& to optimise the finance team's ability to serve the business efficiently and effectively. After diagnosing the causes of needless organisational complexity, we addressed workload fragmentation through classification and reallocation of finance activities according to business value. In addition, we developed operating model options for maximising service delivery and highlighted more rewarding career pathways for finance team members. As a result, we aligned leaders on an enhanced operating model and roadmap and identified ~$50M in savings.

U.S. defence market growth for a communications company

We helped a global commercial wireless and broadband network company develop a U.S. government communications market growth strategy. After segmenting the market between base and tactical clients, we assessed the current Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defence demand for highly mobile voice-based applications and wireless broadband solutions. Through interviews, research, and quantitative analysis, we identified emerging market trends, assisted the client in defining its position for emerging growth opportunities, and helped align its product and technology portfolio with immediate market needs.

Driving post-merger cost savings

Strategy& worked as part of a A&D joint venture in developing financial consolidation strategies, enabling cost reduction designated by the U.S. government. We identified financial and operational options, tactical restructuring trade-offs, and opportunities for building momentum across the client enterprise to close a successful implementation. Strategy& continued to lead the client's executive team through a transformation road map that has identified nearly $1 billion in potential savings.

Assessing market entry for a government agency

Strategy& worked with a government agency in assessing potential entry strategies to the international defence market. The client was looking to expand its aerospace and technology industrial bases. The project team, all experts in international defence policy, quickly segmented and sized the market. They identified relevant areas of entry for the client while completing a value chain analysis. Strategy& segmented international participation for military sea, air, and land platforms in addition to addressing the increasingly global nature of commercial aerospace programmes. As a result of our work, the client was able to understand the defence regulatory environment and identify key avenues for penetration and growth.

Contact us

Sander Visser

Sander Visser

Partner, Strategy& Netherlands

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