Aerospace & Defence

At Oaklin, we help leaders in the Aerospace & Defence (A&D) sector tackle their most complex innovation and transformation challenges. We work closely and collaboratively with our clients, embedding our award-winning teams with organisations to deliver change at pace. Our consultants bring both strategic insight and hands-on delivery expertise, ensuring that transformation initiatives translate into measurable impact and lasting results.

In a world of growing geopolitical instability and accelerating technological change, Governments and defence organisations must evolve rapidly to stay ahead. Emerging technologies such as AI, autonomous systems, and advanced data analytics are reshaping the defence landscape, while changing political contexts constraints and supply chain challenges demand smarter, more agile approaches. Oaklin helps organisations navigate this environment, designing and delivering of innovative solutions that allow our clients to develop their capabilities and achieve their objectives.

Oaklin is a proud member of ADS. Our consultants hold security clearances and bring extensive experience across defence, aerospace, and national security, delivering trusted support on sensitive and mission-critical programmes.

“We are incredibly proud to be supporting the RNRMC in 2025. The charity gives us the chance to support those in the RN community who are most in need, and to introduce clients without a military connection to the traditions of the RN. Both are important to the future of the RN and we are delighted to be playing a small part in making them happen.”

- Dominic Hurndall, Partner and Aerospace & Defence Sector Lead

What we do

Oaklin has a proven track record of working with world-leading aerospace engineering organisations, and applying cross-industry insights from the energy, transport, and automotive sectors to defence challenges. We deploy small, outcome-obsessed teams who work collaboratively with client teams to deliver tangible results.

How we help

Innovation

Innovation – Oaklin works with international defence organisations to realise their innovation ambitions. We help generate fresh ideas, source emerging technologies, and identify and scale those solutions that deliver the greatest value.

Operating Model

People will always be at the heart of defence. We help our clients to evolve their organisational structures and cultures to respond swiftly and effectively to the demands of a changing world, embed change, and unlock their workforces’ potential.

Procurement & Commercial Advisory

With experience advising on over a billion pounds of commercial engagements, Oaklin helps defence clients reposition procurement as a strategic enabler of agility and innovation. We act trusted advisor, shaping procurement processes, and engaging with prospective suppliers to unlock maximum value.

Case Studies

Global Contracting & Outsourcing Advisory

Oaklin supported a global aerospace engineering company in transforming its IT operations as part of a major IT Modernisation Programme, transitioning from a single-supplier model to a multi-supplier ecosystem. The goal was to improve service quality, increase flexibility, and reduce costs across more than 170 global locations.

Oaklin guided the client leadership team through designing and implementing the new operating model, managing the contract negotiations and service transition for multiple third-party suppliers. This included coordinating between regional entities, aligning internal business units, and ensuring all suppliers across the globe were fully prepared to assume operational responsibilities.

The result was the successful launch of a Global Service Management organisation, underpinned by a robust commercial and contractual framework that unified regional operations while respecting local business and legal requirements. Oaklin ensured a seamless transition from the incumbent provider, delivering a stable, efficient, and future-ready IT ecosystem.

Customer Service Centre Transformation

Oaklin partnered with a large aerospace engineering company to lead a major transformation of its global Customer Service Centre, aiming to embed a customer-obsessed culture and improve operational performance. Oaklin redesigned the customer journey and operating model, introducing new processes for feedback and dispute management to drive consistent service excellence. The team also developed detailed customer personas and mapped current journeys to identify quick wins and shape a long-term improvement plan.

A key outcome was a digital customer playbook that clearly communicated the company’s renewed commitments and journey enhancements, alongside an internal version to guide staff through new roles and behaviours. Oaklin also implemented an employee engagement measurement framework to monitor progress and sustain change.

The transformation delivered measurable improvements in customer experience, engagement, and operational alignment, positioning the organisation for lasting success.

Innovation Platform Procurement Support

Oaklin are working with an international defence organisation to support the procurement of a major innovation platform, providing dedicated delivery support to ensure an efficient, effective, and transparent process.

Through a focused nine-week support package, Oaklin are supporting the client through discovery workshops, evaluation cycles, and vendor selection; working with the client and suppliers alike to develop and apply a robust and well evidenced evaluation criteria.

Oaklin are also overseeing programme coordination, managing timelines, risks, and dependencies across all procurement stages, enabling the client to maintain strategic focus and decision-making authority