Client: BCE Defensive

Project: Strategic Messaging, Research, Visual Information Design, Data Presentation

Turning an emerging battlefield threat into a compelling NATO Diana pitch

In early 2026, we were commissioned to develop a stronger strategic narrative and visual presentation for BCE Defensive’s NATO DIANA pitch, combining operational research, user feedback and visual information design to communicate the need for innovative neck protection.

As one-way attack drones and air-burst munitions become increasingly important features of modern warfare, the need to protect vulnerable areas of the body is becoming more apparent.

The neck is a particularly exposed area, containing critical structures including the carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea and spinal cord. Despite this vulnerability, conventional protective equipment often leaves the area insufficiently protected.

BCE Defensive, a British defence company founded by Mark Smith, is developing innovative wearable protection for the neck using emerging fabric technologies. With a team bringing genuine military experience and operational insight, the company had a compelling proposition. The challenge was communicating the problem, the limitations of existing solutions and the potential of its technology clearly and convincingly.

Our Approach

HIATUS worked with Mark and the BCE Defensive team to develop the messaging for their NATO DIANA pitch, combining operational context, research and visual information design to strengthen the presentation.

Our work included:

  • Operational research: Exploring lessons and available data from modern operational theatres to help establish the context and relevance of the problem.

  • Market research and user feedback: Gathering feedback on existing protective equipment to help communicate current limitations and unmet user needs.

  • Strategic messaging: Structuring the narrative around the operational problem, the limitations of existing options and BCE Defensive’s proposed solution.

  • Visual information design: Applying decision logic, data presentation and visual hierarchy to make complex information easier to interpret and the core argument easier to follow.

Rather than simply making the presentation look better, the objective was to improve how the technology and its potential value were understood by the intended audience.

The Outcome

The resulting messaging and presentation approach helped bring together operational context, user feedback and the company's technical proposition into a clearer, more coherent narrative for its NATO DIANA pitch.

For an emerging defence technology company, communicating a capability effectively means more than describing what it does. It means helping stakeholders understand why the problem matters, where existing approaches fall short and how a new solution could address an operational need.

The work focused on developing BCE Defensive's messaging and presentation for its NATO DIANA pitch. No claim is made here regarding the pitch outcome.

Beyond the Pitch

Our relationship with BCE Defensive also extended to the Future Frontiers podcast, where we interviewed founder Mark Smith earlier in the year.

Through HIATUS and our defence innovation media platform, Millilux, we enjoy working with founders who are tackling meaningful operational challenges and helping them communicate their work to the audiences that matter.