July 2, 2024
TL;DR: Saab Defence utilises Agile methodologies in developing the JAS 39E Saab Gripen multi-role strike fighter, aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality amidst the complexity of military procurement. Agile practices like Scrum and continuous improvement drive the project, offering flexibility and clarity while managing variability and prioritising tasks. Saab's approach combines strategic planning with close collaboration between teams and pilots, resulting in lower costs, faster delivery, and superior quality.
Introduction
The cost and complexity of military procurement are significant challenges. Saab Defence's adoption of Agile methodologies for the Gripen E fighter program aims to address these challenges by controlling costs and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Precedent
Saab stands potentially as a trailblazer in the application of modern Agile practices like Scrum to fighter jet development. While Agile principles have historical roots in military systems, Saab's adoption of modern Agile practices represents an innovative approach to overcoming procurement challenges.
Agile at Saab
Saab's journey into Agile practices began a decade ago, evolving over time through continuous improvement. The company has integrated various Agile principles such as Lean, Scrum, Kanban, and XP, tailoring them to suit the unique needs of different teams involved in the Gripen E program.
Manage Variability
Agile practices, particularly Scrum, play a crucial role in managing the inherent variability of the Gripen E development process. Quarterly cycles and Increments help break down the project into manageable units, enhancing transparency and coordination among teams.
Prioritisation
The implementation of Scrum enables effective team-level prioritisation, ensuring clarity on tasks and preventing inefficiencies such as multitasking and unfinished work. This approach allows teams to focus on delivering the most valuable features and enhancements with each iteration.
Strategic Planning
Saab places a strong emphasis on rigorous strategic planning, integrating insights from team learning into living documents that guide development roadmaps. This iterative approach ensures that the project remains aligned with evolving requirements and market conditions.
Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement practices, including Retrospectives and Kaizen, are central to Saab's Agile approach. These practices facilitate ongoing refinement and optimisation of development processes, enabling teams to adapt and respond quickly to changing circumstances.
Agile Catalysts
Saab's modular architecture and emphasis on flexibility serve as catalysts for Agile practices. By empowering teams to make decisions autonomously and fostering close collaboration between development teams and pilots, Saab creates an environment conducive to innovation and rapid iteration.
Conclusion
Saab's Agile approach represents a holistic strategy for addressing the challenges of military procurement. By combining strategic planning, collaborative teamwork, and continuous improvement, Saab aims to deliver the Gripen E fighter for lower costs, faster delivery times, and superior quality compared to traditional development methods.
References:
1. U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2015). F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: Assessment to Address Affordability Challenges (GAO-15-364).
2. Defense Issues, Comparing Modern Western Fighters, Retrieved from: https://defenseissues.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/comparing-modern-western-fighters/
3. Agile Manifesto, Retrieved from: http://www.agilemanifesto.org/
4. Schwaber, K. (1997). Scrum Development Process. In OOPSLA Business Object Design and Implementation Workshop (Eds. J. Sutherland, D. Patel, C. Casanave, J. Miller, and G. Hollowell). London: Springer.
5. Pink, Daniel (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth of What Motivates Us, Riverhead Books, New York.
6. Conway, Melvin E. (April 1968). "How do Committees Invent?", Datamation, 14(5), 28–31.
