UK Ministry of Defence
Shaping the future of defence capability delivery for the British Army
Faced with the challenge of urgently improving the combat effectiveness and resilience of an operational unit in Estonia, the British Army launched Project ASGARD. We partnered with the Army to deliver this ambitious initiative, creating a blueprint for how to deliver mission-critical defence programmes at pace. The result is a world-class capability delivered in months, not years, and a new model for collaboration across defence.
Overcoming entrenched challenges
The British Army faced a critical imperative: to accelerate capability delivery to an operational unit within the fiscal year. This directive, driven by the Chief of the General Staff, demanded rapid delivery of new capabilities to meet operational requirements. Traditionally, defence procurement is complex, involving multiple stakeholders, rigorous approvals, and intricate supply chains. The result is a lengthy process, often taking years to move from concept to deployment.
To answer this challenge, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) launched ASGARD – a programme designed to increase situational awareness, surveillance technology, autonomy, digital connectivity, and data. The team was tasked with delivering a significant enhancement to the digital targeting web for an operational unit in Estonia within months – a timeline that would normally take up to two years.
We knew the stakes were high. This wasn’t just about delivering kit – it was about proving to ourselves and our allies that we could adapt and deliver at pace.”
Bringing structure to speed
We started by deploying a multi-disciplinary team with deep defence expertise to embed alongside the Army. Our approach combined rigorous project management with creative problem-solving to accelerate delivery without cutting corners.
Project ASGARD demanded a delivery model that could match the urgency of the British Army’s operational needs without compromising on rigour. Rather than relying on traditional approaches, we shaped a strategy that accelerated approvals by guiding the team through complex defence processes and identifying opportunities to expedite activities. Maintaining focus was equally critical. Our experts applied disciplined decision-making to protect the scope of the project, ensuring efforts remained centred on delivering the minimum viable product. By resisting the temptation to add features or expand requirements, we kept delivery on track and aligned with operational priorities.
“What truly set the project apart was the strength of collaboration, explained PA Delivery expert, Simon Badman. He continued, “by fostering a psychologically safe and highly collaborative environment, we brought together military personnel, delivery agents, and industry partners – uniting them around a shared mission and enabling faster, coordinated, and more confident decision-making.”
Agility was another cornerstone of delivering ASGARD. Our team worked flexibly – often outside formal structures – to resolve issues in real time and adapt to emerging challenges. This responsiveness was key to sustaining delivery pace and overcoming obstacles – additional approval hurdles, long lead times for commercial activities, and the sheer number of stakeholders having interest and influence over the solution – as they arose.
When we joined, people were running at full speed but without structure. Our role was to bring clarity and coordination without slowing anyone down – creating order in the chaos.”
Delivering results that redefine expectations
The impact was transformative. ASGARD’s network capability was delivered in just six months – a fraction of the time similar projects typically require. For comparison, other similar programmes using the standard programme can take up to two years.
Beyond speed, the project achieved lasting cultural change. Members of the delivery team reported unprecedented levels of collaboration and trust, with one delivery team member noting that communication had “never been this open or effective.” The lessons learned from ASGARD are now shaping a new operating model for defence, proving that rapid, agile delivery is possible within existing frameworks.
In recognition of the success of the work, the ASGARD team has been nominated for The Churchill Medal by the MOD, an emblem of excellence in engineering and technical advancement, awarded annually for engineering and innovation in the Armed Forces and the MOD.
Beyond ASGARD, faster, more efficient delivery models mean taxpayer value, enhanced national security, and ultimately, greater confidence in the systems that protect society. By proving that adaptability and governance can coexist, ASGARD offers a blueprint for transformation across government and the defence industry.
This wasn’t about breaking the rules – it was about working smarter within them. We showed that with the right mindset and collaboration, the UK MOD can deliver at the speed of relevance. Scaling this precedent will be critical to delivering future iterations of ASGARD, Land Domain C4I, and the Digital Targeting Web.”
ASGARD has set a new benchmark. It’s not just a success story – it’s a catalyst for how we’ll deliver capability in the future. PA’s expertise and collaborative ways of working supported us to demonstrate what the future of delivery in the defence sector looks like.”
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