Case

Making defence ready for the cloud

Image credit: UK Ministry of Defence

Case

Making defence ready for the cloud

A pathway to digital transformation for NATO

 

Over the past four years, we’ve been a trusted partner to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) on their cloud adoption journey. As part of this collaboration, within just eight months, we successfully migrated 47 critical applications—used by more than 330,000 soldiers and civilian staff—from a private cloud to MODCloud, a secure and resilient public cloud environment. This rapid transformation improved security, enhanced services, and positioned the UK as a leader in digital innovation among NATO’s European members.

»This migration has been a great example of collaboration between all application owners, Army Digital Services, Defence Digital’s MODCloud team, and our delivery partner, Netcompany to enable this outcome« 

The UK Ministry of Defence

Challenge 

As NATO and its allies face increasing complexities in hybrid and digital warfare, adopting cloud technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. Multi-Domain Operations demand agility, interoperability, and data-centric solutions to keep NATO forces informed and operationally effective.

In 2019, the UK MOD became a first mover by launching an initiative to migrate 47 business-critical applications to MODCloud—a secure, resilient public cloud. This bold step aligned with the UK government’s cloud-first policy to enhance efficiency, security, and innovation in the armed forces.

In November 2019, the MOD tasked us with leading the migration, with a firm deadline of June 2020.

»Our armed forces must be as efficient, productive, and innovative as possible. Moving to public cloud gives them the flexibility and agility they need—now and in the future,« says Richard Davies, UK Country Managing Partner at Netcompany.

Defence has long driven technological innovation. This image shows the advanced technology inside an A400M cockpit. Image credit: UK Ministry of Defence.

Solution 

We collaborated closely with MOD Defence Digital, Army Digital Services, and application owners to ensure the migration was completed on time and with minimal disruption. 

The project involved migrating applications critical to the defence community’s daily operations, including productivity tools, collaboration platforms, recruitment systems, logistics, welfare, and educational services. 

Our migration strategy began with a thorough discovery phase, understanding each application’s specific requirements. We then designed custom cloud environments to ensure enhanced security and operational efficiency. Our implementation minimised downtime and was supported by comprehensive training and post-migration assistance to help users adapt to the new infrastructure. 

»Given our extensive industry and domain knowledge, as well as our strong track record, we understand the challenges the MOD faces daily. This allowed us to deploy their applications rapidly and successfully,« says Richard Davies. 


Image credit: UK Ministry of Defence

»Over eight months, we migrated 47 applications covering business needs across the enterprise, benefiting over 330,000 users within the defence community«

Results

The migration was completed on time, benefiting over 330,000 users across the defence community. The shift to MODCloud enabled the MOD to rapidly deploy new services, achieve significant cost savings, and enhance security with improved cyber threat protection and management. 

This successful delivery led to further large-scale engagements as the MOD accelerated its cloud adoption strategy. Our continued support has been key to the MOD’s cloud transformation efforts. 

In a statement to Computer Weekly, a MOD spokesperson confirmed, »This project provides us with greater resilience and cyber security.« The statement continued, »This migration is a great example of collaboration between all application owners, Army Digital Services, Defence Digital’s MODCloud team, and our delivery partner, Netcompany, to achieve this outcome.« 

In February 2023, the MOD published its Cloud Strategic Roadmap for Defence, and our successful collaboration played a significant role in shaping this important milestone. 

Benefit from our Cloud Adoption Framework

Comprehensive Cloud Adoption Framework

We guide NATO countries through every stage of cloud adoption—assessment, mobilisation, migration, and optimisation—ensuring interoperability, security, and operational efficiency.

Broad Expertise Beyond Cloud

We integrate cloud adoption into broader business initiatives, with capabilities in data management, AI/ML, user-centered design, application development, and managed services. 

Delivery in Complex Environments

Our experience in decentralised or highly secure industries enables us to navigate complex environments, driving effective cloud adoption at both the core and the edge. 

Agnostic Approach with Proven Success

We select the right tools for each job, supporting hybrid and multi-cloud solutions, and leverage established frameworks like AWS and Azure, backed by our experience with large-scale projects across Europe. 

Our work with the UK MOD demonstrates our ability to drive cloud-based digital transformation and positions us ideally to support NATO members' digital ambitions.

Want to get in touch?
Talk to one of our experts

Reach out to

Mike Neville

Reach out to

Janus Østergaard Lind

Manager, Defence

jol@netcompany.com

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A journey from bullets to bytes

Accelerating Defence’s digital transformation

Mike Neville used to fly high-risk missions in Libya and Afghanistan. In 2020, he started firing bits instead of bullets, helping grow the UK Defence account in Netcompany and accelerate the UK Ministry of Defence’s digital adoption. Today, he shares his journey.