Four things we learned at WEST 2025

As global maritime challenges intensify, the pressing need for the U.S. Department of Defense to modernize its maritime technology has never been more critical. At WEST 2025 in San Diego, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard leaders called for cutting-edge technologies to improve readiness and new capabilities to support multi-domain operations. And while IT modernization topped the DoD’s priorities, a new conversation about testing emerged. Here are some of the most interesting discussions we heard at the event:

1. IT modernization requires strategic focus

The Department of the Navy and other defense agencies work tirelessly to erase their technical debt, but they face many well-known IT modernization challenges, such as:

• Aging legacy systems that hinder agility and security.
•  An approaching deadline to adopt zero-trust architecture.
• Interoperability across the joint force and our allies.
• Budgetary constraints that impact large-scale modernization projects.

Evolving multi-domain threats in regions like the South China Sea and Red Sea have global implications, driving the urgent need for technology modernization delivery to address near-peer competition and respond to conflict. Leaders at WEST underscored that the DoD must accelerate its IT transformation efforts to sharpen its strategic edge and operational readiness. They repeatedly emphasized that low-code and no-code solutions can reduce reliance on traditional development cycles and enable quicker deployments.

2. Test automation awareness is on the rise

A few years ago, test automation was rarely mentioned at a show like WEST. This year, we saw a growing recognition of test automation as a critical component of IT modernization — especially as the battlefield shifts from physical to digital. Agencies now understand the role automated testing plays in ensuring mission-critical and enterprise software works as intended.

By automating software testing, organizations can dramatically accelerate their testing processes while shortening development cycles and improving the quality of their applications. It’s the essential element that allows DevOps teams and software factories to deliver reliable tools to warfighters when it matters most.

3. Not all automation is the same – the muddy waters between RPA and test automation

One of the most common misconceptions we heard at WEST is that robotic process automation (RPA) and test automation are the same. They aren’t — and it’s important to understand that these technologies are used at different times in the development cycle.

RPA is primarily used in live production environments to automate repetitive business processes like billing or data entry. Although the technology is rule-based, many RPA solutions require dedicated developers.

Test automation ensures software quality and functionality by running test cases and detecting bugs in complex IT environments before, during, and after deployment. Codeless automated testing doesn’t require specialized talent. Most people can use simple building blocks and drag-and-drop menus to build test cases, making test automation more accessible and scalable for government agencies.

4.Workforce retention and recruitment challenges persist

Government agencies continue to face difficulties in attracting and retaining top IT talent. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard leaders repeatedly discussed workforce shortages, particularly cybersecurity and software engineering. They need a force multiplier that reduces manual paperwork and tasks while allowing teams to focus on higher-value initiatives. Most are looking at automation and AI-driven solutions to fill the gap or at least find new efficiencies while they fill positions.

At WEST 2025, it was clear that the DoD’s ability to modernize quickly will be key to maintaining its strategic edge. Accelerating technological transformation is a critical step in preparing for the future of military operations.

Tricentis offers a new and fundamentally different way for the DoD and other public sector agencies to tackle software testing while bridging legacy and modern environments. Connect with us to learn how Tricentis can help your organization achieve its modernization goals efficiently and securely.