Security strategy topics - consulting after the turnaround

Geopolitical upheavals have led to a turning point in foreign and security policy, affecting not only the state and armed forces, but also the economy and society. As a result, most Western armed forces are facing extensive structural and organisational reform - moving away from an exclusive focus on international crisis and conflict management towards conducting operations as part of national and alliance defence.

Furthermore, in a globalised, digitalised and mobile world, conflicts have a different impact than in previous times.

The major challenge of mitigating these difficult-to-anticipate risks as part of the transformation process for national and alliance defence places ever-increasing demands on political and military leadership. This creates an additional area of tension between spatial coverage requirements and reduced manpower.

At the same time, there is a growing need for technology-supported solutions. Armed forces that have lean and efficient command structures, redundant and largely self-sufficient supply chain management and qualitatively better and comprehensive command and control capabilities in real time (for example with the help of data-centric warfare) are better positioned for the modern world.

With its proven security policy expertise, many years of experience and innovative approach, KPMG can make a substantial contribution to the successful transformation of the Bundeswehr.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation can help to meet the complex challenges of the 21st century with modern means and methods. These aspects also play a role in multi-domain operations and thus the interoperability of different systems. New developments must therefore be initiated across military organisational areas and accompanied by close interaction between defence planning and the simultaneous consideration of future developments.

In an increasingly complex world with growing uncertainty, this requires a holistic view that takes into account all areas of the state, society and the economy that are relevant to defence. KPMG helps to include security-relevant areas from the defence sector to critical infrastructure and society. Redundancies and emergency mechanisms must be set up at all levels in order to develop the ability to act and long-term resilience for critical key sectors in society as a whole. Potential and risk analyses can be used to identify measures to increase interoperability both within the military and with external organisations. The probability of failure can also be reduced through diversification and deployment. Holistic solutions not only promote the resilience of the military organisational apparatus, but also improve social resilience.

In order to survive in high-intensity conflicts, organisational structures need to be simplified and responsibilities and competencies need to be pooled. KPMG advises on making armed forces and organisational units less dependent on shared resources and capabilities and transforming them into independent capability providers

For example, independently operating organisational units can enable the higher command to fulfil its essential coordination and leadership functions without being burdened with delegable secondary and cross-cutting tasks. This will once again enable the armed forces to implement the traditional principles of mission tactics.

With the help of a far-reaching autonomisation of organisational elements in conjunction with the decentralisation of leadership, two goals can be achieved: the complexity of a multi-domain battlespace is reduced and a better and faster response to spontaneous developments and changes in the situation is made possible.

Not only the armed forces but also civil society are confronted with changes as a result of the new era. As part of the "Operation Plan Germany", a national defence plan is being developed under the leadership of the Bundeswehr with the participation of the federal, state and local levels as well as other organisations and companies. As a consultancy firm, we also provide support in adapting to a changing world situation and in safeguarding national and alliance defence.