Why modern defence operations demand resilient data centre infrastructure

The UK and its allies operate in an increasingly digital, data-driven battlespace. Armed forces require resilient, secure, and effective computing at the tactical edge, with infrastructure required to be deployable - quickly and effectively to diverse locations, including conflict zones.

This digital backbone must operate reliably in all environments, from arctic cold to desert heat, while supporting a continuous sense-decide-effect (SDE) cycle. Real-time data from sensors and intelligence sources inform key decision-making and enable the rapid deployment of platforms, personnel, and autonomous assets.

Despite ambitious goals and investments, the UK's defence sector is not AI-ready. The House of Commons Defence Committee has highlighted a gap between rhetoric and reality, urging the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to address this without delay. The main obstacle is not technology or skills, but infrastructure.

Why traditional infrastructure falls short

The integration of AI into defence operations requires a fundamental rethinking of mission-critical and digital infrastructures; most existing defence IT systems were designed for conventional computing workloads, not the extraordinary demands of modern AI applications.

According to McKinsey research, average power densities have more than doubled in just two years, rising to 17 kilowatts per rack from eight kilowatts, with projections suggesting this could reach 30 kilowatts by 2027 as AI workloads increase. Advanced AI training workloads may require 100 to 200 kilowatts per rack or more. Legacy data centres – the secure, scalable and critical IT infrastructure that sits behind the battlefield – simply cannot deliver this density without a comprehensive redesign.

Traditional facilities also face scalability limitations. Conventional data centre builds take 18 to 36 months from planning to Initial Operational Capability, which is incompatible with the rapid evolution of AI technologies and the urgent pace of military operations.

For the UK military, infrastructure must not only deliver exceptional performance but satisfy stringent security requirements while operating in diverse, often challenging environments. The lack of infrastructure compliant with Top Secret security standards and frameworks such as the Surreptitious Threat Mitigation Process (STaMP), for example, presents a significant often critical vulnerability.

The modular solution

Prefabricated modular data centres have advanced beyond previously offered containerised solutions. Today’s systems are sophisticated, enterprise-grade infrastructures engineered for secure, mission-critical applications.

EfficiencyIT's ModularDC range exemplifies this evolution. These solutions are precision-engineered in controlled factory environments, ensuring consistent quality and comprehensive testing before deployment. Unlike field-assembled infrastructure, every component can be verified and validated under controlled conditions, optimising operational efficiency.

The advantage for deploying forward is significant. While traditional data centres require years to plan and build, prefabricated modular solutions can be operational in 12 to 18 weeks. For defence organisations, this speed provides a clear strategic advantage.

These purpose-built solutions are configured for AI workloads, with integrated high-density power, advanced cooling, and advanced security features optimised for defence. Security is integrated in the core design at source, not added later.

Defence-grade security

AI infrastructure in military applications also faces unique security challenges that require integration from the start. Some of the primary considerations are:

Physical security: Computing environments must be hardened against physical threats, incorporating LPS 1175 SR2 to SR8-rated construction systems and NPSA-certified modular walling to protect against both unauthorised access and environmental hazards.

Electromagnetic protection: AI systems handling sensitive defence data require TEMPEST shielding compliant with NSA 94-106 and NATO SDIP-27 standards, protecting against sophisticated electromagnetic eavesdropping and cyber-physical attacks.

Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) compliance: Solutions can be certified to meet the requirements of ICD 705 and the NPSA for SCIFs, addressing both physical and technical security standards essential for handling classified intelligence.

Data sovereignty: Sensitive defence data must remain under complete national control, limiting reliance on cloud-based alternatives and reinforcing the case for on-premises, UK-manufactured infrastructure.

Power and resilience: a ‘tactical edge’

For forward-operating computing environments, power resilience and comprehensive security are paramount. AI workloads create high power demands, especially where stable grid connections are unavailable.

EfficiencyIT’s prefabricated modular solutions address these needs with a host of solutions. They comprise high-density uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), seamless generator integration for outages, advanced battery storage for load-shifting, and compatibility with renewable energy to reduce fuel dependence in remote locations.

Comprehensive security integration, based on BAD (Barriers, Access, Detection) principles, ensures forward-operating SCIFs and tactical data centres can withstand increased physical and cyber threats. This includes reinforced construction, integrated monitoring, multi-factor access control, and coordinated cyber-physical protection.

Enhancing mission-critical capabilities

Additionally, several mission-critical capabilities depend directly on the availability of appropriate computing infrastructure. They include:

Autonomous systems: Unmanned aerial, ground, and maritime systems require sophisticated computing resources for real-time sensor processing, autonomous navigation, and collaborative operations across multiple platforms. These capabilities demand high-performance computing close to operations.

Intelligence analysis: Modern operations generate large data volumes that require AI-enabled processing for automated analysis, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics. Field intelligence loses value quickly if not analysed promptly.

Tactical cloud solutions: Modern tactical cloud capabilities rely on flexible computing that can move with forces, supporting distributed computing, resilient data storage, and secure information sharing across coalitions.

The UK’s sovereign advantage

In an unpredictable world, robust sovereign capabilities provide maximum security, flexibility, redundancy and continuity – mitigating adverse effects to partnered options. Sensitive and critical infrastructures should be manufactured, controlled and maintained within the UK whenever possible.

EfficiencyIT operates within a strong UK supply chain, with domestic manufacturing capabilities. The company has received a Royal Warrant of Appointment as a trusted Supplier of IT Infrastructure and Services by His Majesty King Charles III, recognising its exceptional service and commitment to sustainable IT infrastructure.

A mission-focused approach

Recent conflicts have identified the requirement for the rapid iteration and improvement in defence infrastructure. EfficiencyIT’s mission-focused approach to prefabricated modular data centres prioritise close collaboration with military customers to identify specific requirements through a user-led process.

This commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) approach means solutions can be designed, built, delivered and deployed at pace, ensuring a highly adaptable methodology that meets the complex and evolving needs of the digital battlespace. The use of virtual reality in the design process enables customers to explore their environment prior to deployment, fast-tracking specification whilst ensuring confidence in component security criteria.

Key attributes include purpose-built design aligned with client objectives, factory-quality construction with auditable testing, rapid deployment, and best-practice standardised security specifications integrated from the start.

Bridging strategy and execution

The UK's defence AI ambitions present a strong vision for national security. Achieving this requires infrastructure that delivers secure, high-performance computing whenever and wherever missions require.

Prefabricated modular data centres are the critical link between tactical capabilities and strategic objectives. They enable rapid deployment of AI-ready environments with integrated security and resilience, forming the foundation for an AI-enabled defence sector.

For organisations committed to maintaining the UK's military advantage in an increasingly contested world, AI-ready infrastructure isn't merely a technical requirement—it is a critical strategic imperative.

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Meet the team

Fred Sugden

Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK

Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.

Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.

Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 07985 234 170

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Jeremy Wimble

Senior Programme Manager, Defence, techUK

Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including the National Armaments Directorate (NAD), UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including policy consultation, private briefings and early market engagement. The Programme supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.

Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) coordinating research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.

Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-wimble-89183482/