MR. WISMAN, COULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CORE OPERATIONS OF MSS DEFENCE AND YOUR ROLE IN THE ORGANISATION?
Please call me Derk; we’re a very down-to-earth company. To answer your question, MSS Defence primarily focuses on enhancing our customers’ mission readiness through solutions that improve situational awareness and survivability. Ultimately, my role involves developing our team and network to strengthen customer relationships.
HOW HAVE THE CONFLICTS IN UKRAINE, ISRAEL, AND THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES INFLUENCED MSS DEFENCE’S OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES?
These conflicts are not distant issues for us; we feel a compelling need to offer support. We responded by establishing dedicated service desks, enabling us to provide support in the native languages of our Israeli and Ukrainian clients. Continuing to assist our allies in these regions remains a priority.
WHAT ADJUSTMENTS HAS MSS DEFENCE MADE IN RESPONSE TO THESE INTERNATIONAL CRISES?
We have expanded our team to staff the new Ukrainian and Israeli service desks and have broadened our product range to include more cost-effective options.
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY SHAPED MSS DEFENCE’S APPROACH TO THE CHALLENGES POSED BY THE CURRENT GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE?
My approach hasn’t changed significantly. As a military specialist, I continuously assess situations and seize opportunities as they arise. I have always practised this proactive approach and will continue to implement it.
HOW DOES MSS DEFENCE MAINTAIN ITS RESPONSIVENESS AND ADAPTABILITY UNDER RAPIDLY CHANGING CONDITIONS?
Our organisational structure is flat, keeping all staff connected to the market and external environment. We foster an open atmosphere where all employees are encouraged to contribute ideas that can influence the company’s direction.
WHAT ROLE DOES TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION PLAY IN MSS DEFENCE’S STRATEGY, ESPECIALLY IN SUPPORTING COUNTRIES LIKE UKRAINE AND ISRAEL?
The rise of technologically advanced, yet affordable, consumer products has led us to incorporate many of these into our offerings, including consumer drones and hunting optics.
HOW HAS MSS DEFENCE MANAGED ITS SUPPLY CHAIN AMID THE DISRUPTIONS CAUSED BY THESE CONFLICTS?
We have shifted our focus towards suppliers in the Western hemisphere due to the combined challenges of conflict and the COVID pandemic, affecting transport routes like airports and seaways.
COULD YOU ELABORATE ON PARTNERSHIPS OR COLLABORATIONS CRUCIAL IN NAVIGATING THE CURRENT GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES?
In response to the need for small, efficient groups on drone-infested battlefields, we have partnered with manufacturers of lightweight communication devices and counter-drone systems, which are essential for our clients.
ARE THERE ANY RECENT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AT MSS DEFENCE THAT EXCITE YOU?
We are thrilled about our partnership with OTTO, an American company producing cutting-edge communication tools. This revolutionary technology is currently being tested by several European special forces units. We have high expectations for this brand in the future.
HOW DOES MSS DEFENCE HANDLE THE ETHICAL COMPLEXITIES OF SUPPLYING DEFENCE EQUIPMENT TO CONFLICT ZONES?
We strictly adhere to EU regulations concerning defence exports. Importantly, we do not supply weapons or ammunition.
GIVEN THE ONGOING GLOBAL CONFLICTS, WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR THE DEFENCE INDUSTRY IN THE UPCOMING YEARS?
The recent wake-up call for European nations will likely result in substantial personnel, equipment, and maintenance investments. We’ve also seen procurement organisations streamline their processes to accelerate operations.
HOW IS MSS DEFENCE PREPARING FOR POTENTIAL NEW CONFLICTS OR ESCALATIONS IN EXISTING ONES?
Our preparation remains consistent; our staff is mission-ready 24/7 and can adapt quickly to changes.
REFLECTING ON YOUR EXPERIENCES DURING THESE TUMULTUOUS TIMES, WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES?
We’ve encountered numerous opportunistic and sometimes unprofessional players in the market. Our key takeaway has been that sometimes, despite our eagerness to assist, it’s better to slow down and not act immediately.
AS A LEADER, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN MORALE AND FOCUS WITHIN YOUR TEAM AMID SUCH CHALLENGING GLOBAL CONDITIONS?
The real challenge lies with the men and women on the front lines. Our role is to support their morale by remaining available, responsive, and supportive to the fullest extent possible.
If you’re interested in collaborating with Derk Wisman and exploring potential collaborations and insights at MSS Defence, feel free to reach out to him via email or LinkedIn. He would be happy to discuss any potential collaborations with you!
