UK Ministry of Defence Establishes New Cyber Warfare Command

The UK Ministry of Defence has launched a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command with an investment of £1 billion aimed at enhancing the armed forces’ digital warfare capabilities.

This command is tasked with safeguarding UK military networks against increasing cyber threats while also orchestrating offensive cyber operations in collaboration with the National Cyber Force.

General Sir James Hockenhull will lead this initiative.

The newly established command seeks to leverage “electromagnetic warfare,” which encompasses strategies such as disrupting command and control channels, jamming signals from drones or missiles, and intercepting enemy communications.

Additionally, the Ministry of Defence revealed plans to develop a Digital Targeting Web, investing more than £1 billion into this initiative. This digital infrastructure is designed to integrate weapon systems via AI and other technologies, facilitating improved interoperability across various military sectors.

For instance, a threat identified by a sensor on a naval vessel or in space could be neutralized by an F-35 fighter jet, drone strike, or cyber operation.

This initiative aligns with the government’s objective to prioritize cyber operations within the UK’s defense strategy as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. The review advocates for the delivery of the Digital Targeting Web by 2027.

Adapting to Evolving Warfare Dynamics

In a statement, Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the need for advanced digital systems and capabilities, which must work in tandem with physical military operations.

He noted the Ukrainian military’s adept use of digital technology to detect enemy movements and swiftly execute counter-attacks, successfully thwarting Russian advances.

“Warfare is evolving rapidly, with the UK confronting daily cyber threats on this new battlefield. The critical insights gained from Russia’s unlawful incursions in Ukraine make it clear that future conflicts will favor forces that are more interconnected, better equipped, and capable of faster innovation than their opponents,” Healey remarked.

He added, “We are equipping our Armed Forces to operate at unprecedented speeds, enhancing connections among ships, aircraft, tanks, and operators to allow for instantaneous sharing of vital information and enabling quicker, more effective strikes.”

The announcements come in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence’s plan to expedite the recruitment of specialized cybersecurity personnel for both defensive and offensive roles.

This recruitment effort is part of the Cyber Direct Entry program, which provides an expedited pathway into military cyber positions. This is in direct response to an alarming increase in cyber intrusions emanating from adversarial states, with the UK experiencing 90,000 such incidents over the past two years.