The Aerospace Industries Association, in collaboration with Accenture, has developed and published a report offering an in-depth analysis of industry expert insights on how automation and artificial intelligence can help tackle aerospace and defense industry challenges, including limited capital availability, aging information technology infrastructure and a rapidly evolving workforce.
“AIA’s new report provides a clear roadmap to help our industry harness AI’s full potential and turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s breakthroughs,” said Tim White, AIA’s vice president of engineering and technology, noting that the A&D industry is at a defining crossroads, where AI is no longer optional but essential.
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Post-Pandemic Production Challenges
The A&D industry is facing significant capacity challenges hindering its ability to meet soaring demand. Both commercial aviation and defense contractors are trying to ramp up production; however, even major manufacturers are struggling to meet demand amid a post-pandemic surge, the report stated.
The document recommended actionable strategies to navigate the complex A&D industry, including building a strong digital foundation, embedding AI into operational processes at scale and establishing an AI-ready workforce. AIA and Accenture highlighted the high costs associated with hiring and training new talent, noting that AI offers a path forward to augment human capabilities and preserve critical expertise amid decreasing employee tenure and increasing job complexity.
Generative AI Adoption
According to John Schmidt, global A&D lead at Accenture, A&D organizations need to modernize to stay competitive. “By using AI in their core operations, companies can reinvent the nature of work while also driving innovation and efficiency,” Schmidt said. “This strategic change is crucial for the industry to maintain its leadership in global security and economic growth.”
Generative AI is gaining momentum within the industry, with 87 percent of surveyed industry executives planning to increase investment in the technology in 2025. Nearly 75 percent of the executives also said they expect AI-driven automation to significantly
improve operations in the next few years.
