BAE Systems' FAST Labs Chief Discusses Defense Innovation Strategy

Stewart Coulter runs technology strategy at FAST Labs, the research arm of BAE Systems Electronic Systems. He focuses on moving new defense solutions from laboratory concepts into actual production systems.

Coulter came to BAE Systems after working at DEKA, a small research firm where he developed medical and robotics projects. He holds more than 25 patents covering robotic, prosthetic, and energy innovations. His education includes mechanical engineering degrees from Stanford and Georgia Tech.

FAST Labs collaborates closely with DARPA to create cutting-edge military technology. Coulter says his main job involves making sure research aligns with customer needs and creates clear paths from early concepts to working capabilities.

As reported by industry sources, the organization develops disruptive technology for five to 15 years into the future. They often tackle problems that nobody else has identified yet. Coulter currently works on defining the next technology strategy with emphasis on prioritization.

Limited resources mean the team must focus on areas with the greatest warfighter impact.

Creating alignment from early research through deliverable solutions requires strong communication between business units and customers. FAST Labs also gives scientists freedom to explore creative questions and discover new areas, even without immediate applications. This exploration drives continued innovation and disruption.

Some projects lack clear transition paths initially. If they succeed, however, they could become game changers for military capabilities.

Coulter emphasized the importance of technology transitions. The goal involves bringing leap-ahead capabilities to warfighters by developing and transitioning new technologies quickly. Research exists to create impact, not just generate knowledge. That impact happens when cool science becomes actual products.

Research and development inherently involves risk. Not every project works, at least not on the first attempt or for the intended purpose. Experimentation and exploration create future capabilities. Coulter said achieving a 100 percent transition rate is not the success metric.

His approach balances exploration with practical application. Scientists need freedom to discover while maintaining focus on delivering capabilities that matter to defense customers and warfighters.