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Defense and Security

Our dedicated industry team helps organizations in defense and security turn their strategic ambition and capital investment into resilient capability.

Defense and security risk in a complex and rapidly changing world

The defense and security sector sits at the center of profound geopolitical, technological and economic change. Global instability, cyber threats, supply chain disruption, evolving technologies and rapid investment are reshaping the sector all at once. These challenges aren't isolated; they're deeply interconnected.

At Willis, a WTW business, our dedicated team is focused on the unique needs of defense and security clients. We work across the entire defense ecosystem to help them navigate today's challenges and prepare for what's next.

The key risks facing the defense and security sector

Global defense spending could reach up to $6.6 trillion by 2035*. As investment across the sector continues to grow, organizations are facing an increasingly complex risk landscape that extends beyond traditional operational challenges.
*United Nations, October 2026

War, geopolitical and hybrid threats

Armed conflict, state and non-state aggression and sanctions are reshaping where organizations operate, invest and source, exposing employees and operations to political violence, market disruption and hybrid threats.

Technology, cyber and data risk

Rapid adoption of AI, autonomous systems and connected technologies is creating cyber, data-sovereignty, intellectual-property and technology-performance risks, increasing the need to demonstrate that mission-critical capabilities are secure, reliable and trusted.

Operational, asset and mission resilience

Mission success relies on resilient sites, systems, assets and infrastructure, requiring organizations to protect their people and manage disruption, performance, safety and recovery across the capability lifecycle.

People, personnel and security risk

In high-risk environments, skills shortages, workforce readiness, security vetting, insider threats and personnel safety can directly constrain growth, production and mission delivery.

Supply chain and industrial base

Supplier concentration, critical-material dependencies, logistics disruption and limited industrial capacity can constrain production and the ability to meet demand, readiness and contractual commitments.

Regulatory, governance and commercial

Government regulations, sanctions, security requirements and procurement will shape the landscape of growing defense spend, while increasing the need for contract certainty and effective management of financial, performance and reputational risks.

Climate and environment

Climate hazards, natural catastrophes, resource constraints and environmental liabilities can disrupt critical sites and supply chains, affecting workforce safety, investment and long-term capability.

Organizations we serve across the defense and security sector

We provide insurance, consulting and risk solutions to defense and security organizations across the full industry ecosystem, including:

  • Defense primes and strategic suppliers
  • Security and technology providers
  • Government contractors
  • Critical infrastructure operators
  • Capital investors

Why Willis?

An integrated approach to defense and security risk management

In a sector shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, evolving threats and growing investment, organizations need a more connected view of risk. Willis brings together expertise across risk strategy, resilience, capital and workforce to help clients make informed decisions.

We turn risk analytics and intelligence into actionable insight to help inform coverage decisions, enhance resilience and support more confident decision-making.

With deep experience supporting organizations throughout the defense ecosystem, our sector-focused approach draws on expertise across Aviation & Space, Marine, Property and Casualty, Cyber, Crisis management, Credit Risk Solutions and other specialty areas.

The result: An integrated approach to risk management that reflects how your organization experiences risk today.

Disclaimer

WTW hopes you found the general information provided here informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).

Defense and Security contacts

Jennifer Calderella, Senior Managing Director - Global Defense Lead

Jennifer Caldarella

Senior Managing Director - Global Defense Lead

Jennifer Caldarella is a Senior Managing Director in Risk & Broking at WTW and leads the global Defense & Security initiative at Willis, a WTW business. With more than 30 years of experience serving large and complex organizations, Jennifer brings expertise across risk, people and capital, along with strategic relationship leadership, consultative insight and a strong focus on understanding and advocating for clients’ needs.
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Robert Staeheli, Senior Managing Director in Risk & Broking

Robert Staeheli

Head of Defense & Security, North America

Robert is a Senior Managing Director in Risk & Broking at WTW, where he leads the Metro DC market and the Defense & Security initiative for Willis in North America. With more than 25 years of experience, Robert is responsible for some of WTW’s largest and most complex global client relationships including extensive work with clients in aerospace, defense, and government contracting.
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Jennifer Calderella, Senior Managing Director - Global Defense Lead

Jennifer Caldarella

Senior Managing Director - Global Defense Lead

Jennifer Caldarella is a Senior Managing Director in Risk & Broking at WTW and leads the global Defense & Security initiative at Willis, a WTW business. With more than 30 years of experience serving large and complex organizations, Jennifer brings expertise across risk, people and capital, along with strategic relationship leadership, consultative insight and a strong focus on understanding and advocating for clients’ needs.
Email
Robert Staeheli, Senior Managing Director in Risk & Broking

Robert Staeheli

Head of Defense & Security, North America

Robert is a Senior Managing Director in Risk & Broking at WTW, where he leads the Metro DC market and the Defense & Security initiative for Willis in North America. With more than 25 years of experience, Robert is responsible for some of WTW’s largest and most complex global client relationships including extensive work with clients in aerospace, defense, and government contracting.
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