The Strategic Defence Review will see more than £1bn invested in cutting-edge battlefield technology that will allow UK forces to disable threats with drones or cyber operations – as well as more traditional methods – the Ministry of Defence has said.
Ahead of the publication of the SDR next week, the MoD said the 10-year strategy will see the creation of a “Digital Targeting Web” that will apply lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. It will “better connect” UK Armed Forces weapons systems and “allow battlefield decisions for targeting enemy threats to be made and executed faster”.
According to the MoD, the review calls for the system to be in place by 2027.
The department said the SDR would also see the creation of a new “Cyber and Electromagnetic Command” to lead defensive cyber operations and coordinate offensive cyber capabilities with the National Cyber Force.
The MoD said that the creation of the new command followed UK military networks facing more than 90,000 “sub-threshold” attacks over the past two years.
Part of the command’s work will be harnessing expertise in electromagnetic warfare, through measures such as degrading hostile forces’ command and control capabilities, jamming signals to drones or missiles and intercepting communications.
It will be overseen by Gen Sir Jim Hockenhull, commander of Strategic Command.
Defence secretary John Healey said the SDR would set a path for making the UK secure at home and strong abroad over the next decade – driving innovation and underpinning economic stability in the process.
“Ways of warfare are rapidly changing – with the UK facing daily cyber-attacks on this new frontline,” he said.
“The hard-fought lessons from Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine leave us under no illusions that future conflicts will be won through forces that are better connected, better equipped and innovating faster than their adversaries.
“We will give our Armed Forces the ability to act at speeds never seen before – connecting ships, aircraft, tanks and operators so they can share vital information instantly and strike further and faster.”
Healey also pointed to the MoD’s efforts to fast-track new recruits into specialist Armed Forces roles to tackle escalating cyber threats.
The “Cyber Direct Entry” programme, launched in February, offers an accelerated path into military cyber roles with starting salaries in excess of £40,000 a year and the potential for up to £25,000 in additional skills-related pay.
Healey added: “By attracting the best digital talent, and establishing a nerve centre for our cyber capability, we will harness the latest innovations, properly fund Britain’s defences for the modern age and support the government’s Plan for Change.”
The Cyber Direct Entry programme offers tailored training focused on essential cyberspace operational skills with “no requirement” to serve in dangerous environments or handle weapons.
Recruits accepted onto the programme get full military benefits – including medical care, sports facilities, adventure training, and professional development.