The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to enhance its Defence Data Analytics Platform (DDAP) over the next three years through a £50 million contract with IT services firm Kainos.
Kainos will assist users across the MoD, including the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, in transitioning to an upgraded version of the platform. The MoD describes the DDAP as a secure data and analytics system developed by Defence Digital, which operates under the MoD’s Strategic Command. Charlie Forte is the chief information officer for Defence Digital, which has a budget of £2 billion and around 2,400 personnel.
The MoD launched DDAP in January 2023, initially awarding an £8.625 million contract to Cognizant. The platform aims to support the Data Strategy for Defence, set during Boris Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister. The goal is to ensure that, by 2025, data is “curated, integrated, and human and machine-ready for exploitation” within the operational areas of the armed forces, with data supporting personnel.
Built on Amazon Web Services, DDAP aims to make data access easier, standardize processes, and promote collaboration and sharing of best practices across the MoD. An MoD spokesperson highlighted that the evolution of DDAP will help unify analytical capabilities under a single enterprise system, enhancing data analytics standardization and efficiency while also facilitating the adoption of new technologies like AI.
Kainos will take charge of managing, maintaining, and supporting DDAP, focusing on data integration across the MoD to minimize redundant analytics projects. The company has teamed up with the Defence Digital organization to establish skilled data teams responsible for designing and implementing applications on DDAP for specific analytics needs.
Brendan Mooney, the CEO of Kainos, expressed enthusiasm about deepening their partnership with the MoD to evolve data analytics usage within UK defense. He emphasized the importance of tailoring their efforts to understand and meet the specific data needs of the personnel.
Work under this new contract has already begun, with the partnership expected to continue until January 6, 2028.