Android and the Defence Industry
Android and the Defence Industry
The increasingly unstable geopolitical landscape has refocused many minds on Defence and the shift is reflected in the latest numbers. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, global military expenditure rose by 3.7% in 2021, with 105 countries reporting additional spending on defence budgets. But these headline numbers do not tell the whole story. As in many areas over the past decade, digitalisation is slowly revolutionising Defence.
Today rugged notebooks, tablets and handheld devices have become essential critical infrastructure. Not just in the field of operation but across every aspect of Defence – from training and communications, through to vehicle diagnostics and logistics to intelligence gathering and asset control such as drones. As the technology has become more integral to day-to-day operations, requirements have also evolved and today we are seeing a more rapid adoption of specialist rugged devices using the Android operating system.
So, what’s driving this adoption? There are a number of factors that add up to a powerful force for change.
Traditional consumer devices just don’t make the grade. Even in a support role, the average Defence device is liable to face a lot more knocks and scrapes than the average civilian tool. As well as the critical nature of operation, failure rates are also expensive with an additional 1% increase in failures resulting in a potentially 5% rise in the total cost of ownership of the device. Rugged computing devices certified to the latest MIL-STD-810H standards, capable of operating in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, have become essential specifications. Other specialist features, such as outdoor readable screens and the ability to cut all light and electromagnetic emissions at the touch of a button are important features for the sector.
The Android operating system itself offers the opportunity to customise the device for specific requirements and is robust from a security perspective. Manufacturers, like Panasonic with their TOUGHBOOK devices, are able to easily incorporate tools such as barcode scanners or smartcard readers for specific purposes.
Panasonic has also wrapped additional support services around its Android devices that meet the needs of Defence. For example, Panasonic COMPASS, which stands for Complete Android Services and Security, is a portfolio of digital tools that provide everything needed to configure, deploy, manage and secure a TOUGHBOOK device. This includes Android security patch services, which far surpass the support Google offers Android users as standard – ensuring devices can be used for the long-term.
TOUGHBOOK Smart Essentials is another example of valuable additional benefits available to Defence. It’s real-time enterprise mobility intelligence software that allows IT teams to have a greater level of insight into how the Panasonic devices are used and are performing. These tools can spot, for example, if battery performance is dropping enabling replacements to be sent out before it significantly impacts the user through device performance.
Lastly, the variety of rugged Android devices from notebook, to tablet and handheld, as well as the customisation options, means there is a Panasonic device for every Defence need. One of the latest areas of interest are rugged handheld devices, such as the TOUGHBOOK N1, which can be tailored for easy use of mission critical applications, such as Nett Warrior and ATAK.
The development in rugged mobile computing in Defence continues a pace and it’s clear that Android devices have an important role to play in its future.
Watch the recording of our Defence Solutions Forum from the 28th June 2022
Read more insights…
blog
A Culture of Continuous Innovation from the TOUGHBOOK CF-31 to the TOUGHBOOK 40
In a busy first half of 2024, the TOUGHBOOK G2, 33, and 40 rugged mobile devices have all received major updates. It’s a good time therefore to pause and revisit Panasonic’s DNA of continuous improvement that improves functionality for the end user.
blog
Keeping Our Ambulances Connected: The Tech Behind NHS’ Life-Saving Upgrades
Under the nationwide Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP), Ambulance Services Trust in England and Wales are implementing a major technology upgrade to enhance efficiency and patient safety. Every trust will deploy Panasonic TOUGHBOOK devices in their rapid response vehicles and ambulances.
article
Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 40mk2 – Revolutionising the Rugged Device Market with AI
The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 40mk2’s AI-enabled Intel® processor and enhanced connectivity brings AI processing at the edge to the market-leading rugged notebook, vastly improving efficiency for mobile field service workers.
blog
Keeping the Defence Sector Connected: Meet the TOUGHBOOK 40 TACTICAL
The TOUGHBOOK 40 TACTICAL revolutionises military vehicle operations with its specialised module, military interfaces, and shock-proof mount. It offers exceptional in-vehicle connectivity, stemming from our latest collaboration with roda computer GmbH in the defence sector.
Sorry there was an error...
The files you selected could not be downloaded as they do not exist.
You selected items.
Continue to select additional items or download selected items together as a zip file.
You selected 1 item.
Continue to select additional items or download the selected item directly.
Share page
Share this link via:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Xing
Facebook
Or copy link: