Marc Rivière is Global Advisor Aerospace & Defense at PTC and has more than 30 years of experience in aerospace, including 22 years with the French Air Force. After completing his engineering studies at the École de l'Air et de l'Espace and his master's degree at the French ISAE-SUPAERO, he took on management roles in major aerospace programs. he was Program Director at the Operational Test and Evaluation Center in Mont de Marsan. He managed the A400M Program ILS Development. His expertise spans digital thread, digital twin, and AI. Among other things, he develops solutions for the aerospace industry.
The aerospace and defense (A&D) sector operates at the heart of global security and innovation, constantly adapting to new technological advancements, evolving threats, and complex regulatory landscapes. Ensuring mission readiness is a top priority—but for OEMs looking to compete with traditional MRO businesses, the challenge lies in navigating a fragmented and complex digital landscape, managing the growing complexity of equipment and systems, and balancing the high cost of maintenance for availability-based engagements.
Key challenges to mission readiness
The complexity of disconnected systems
For many A&D manufacturers, operations are hindered by fragmented data silos and outdated tools. Disconnected systems lead to inefficiencies, slow decision-making, delays in system updates, and missed opportunities for optimization. This lack of data integration often inhibits contractors’ ability to ensure systems are prepared and optimized for deployment.
Regulatory barriers
Operating within strict compliance frameworks is a defining characteristic of the A&D industry. Adhering to regulations, such as the US Department of Defense's digital engineering policies or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), requires extensive coordination across teams while managing complexities in both hardware and software systems. These workflows, when manual or outdated, slow down processes and increase the risk of noncompliance.
Rapidly evolving threat landscapes
The A&D sector is experiencing a rapid transformation due to technological advancements in areas like unmanned vehicles, space defense, and artificial intelligence (AI). Staying ahead in this dynamic environment requires operational systems that are agile, scalable, and capable of incorporating real-time updates. Without the ability to adapt quickly, contractors risk falling behind in critical areas like threat detection, response, and operational planning.
The role of advanced technology in ensuring mission readiness
Integrating data for seamless operations
Service lifecycle management (SLM) solutions integrate core operations to ensure seamless functionality in the A&D sector. By connecting assets through real-time performance tracking, orchestrating resources with streamlined workflows, executing work efficiently to meet commitments, and optimizing activities via data-driven insights, SLM creates a unified ecosystem. This approach minimizes downtime, ensures mission readiness, and enhances operational reliability while addressing the industry's unique challenges and complexities.
Achieving compliance at every stage
Meeting compliance standards doesn’t have to be a roadblock. By embedding compliance requirements into digital workflows early in the planning phase, contractors can generate traceable, auditable artifacts that meet regulatory standards. Solutions like application lifecycle management (ALM) streamline compliance and support adherence at every stage, from requirements mapping to testing and validation.
Enhancing operational agility with real-time updates
Modern A&D systems need to be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice. Digital technologies that enable real-time updates allow manufacturers to adapt to changes or threats rapidly, ensuring systems remain operationally effective. For example, a digital-first approach enables contractors to update software-defined systems securely and efficiently without compromising system integrity.
Mission readiness in action
The Paris Space Hub at the 2025 Paris Air Show reflects the global emphasis on addressing these challenges and showcasing the innovations driving A&D forward. At the event, the critical need for mission readiness was underscored by advancements in aerospace systems from satellite technologies to AI-powered platforms.
PTC’s SLM solutions empower A&D manufacturers to achieve mission readiness by seamlessly addressing critical challenges like compliance, data fragmentation, and operational effectiveness. Through integrated tools such as PLM and ALM, organizations gain the assurance of secure, compliant, and optimized systems that are primed to perform. This digital-first approach accelerates time to market, reduces costs, enhances safety, and builds long-term competitive strength in an increasingly demanding defense landscape.
Mission readiness starts with a digital advantage
Discover how PTC’s SLM, ALM, and PLM solutions empower A&D organizations to stay ahead of change and deliver with confidence.
Explore Solutions