The UK government has pledged over £1bn to modernise battlefield technology and strengthen cyber operations. This investment is a central feature of its upcoming strategic defence review, set for full release on Monday.
The Ministry of Defence will roll out a new Digital Targeting Web system. This tool links ground forces with intelligence from satellites, drones, and aircraft, enabling faster response to enemy threats. Officials say the system will harness artificial intelligence and advanced software as outlined in their strategic defence review.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the review reflects lessons from the Ukraine war. Ukraine’s military success with AI-guided targeting systems influenced the UK’s approach. Healey announced the review findings during his visit to the MoD’s cyber headquarters in Corsham, Wiltshire, as part of the strategic defence review.
This headquarters manages both defensive and offensive cyber operations for the British military. In the past two years alone, the UK has faced over 90,000 cyber-attacks. Many of these threats came from state-linked groups, especially from Russia and China.
Corsham cyber teams recently detected and blocked malware aimed at returning UK military personnel. Officials traced the source to a known Russian entity. Healey stressed the shift in military tactics, stating, “The keyboard is now a weapon of war and we are responding to that.” This modern approach is part of the strategic defence review.
To adapt to these new threats, the UK is launching a Cyber and Electromagnetic Command. This unit will oversee cyber defence and electronic warfare operations. Tasks include intercepting communications and jamming hostile drones.
The defence review comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s promise to raise defence spending. The target is 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, with a longer-term goal of 3% in the next parliament. The government plans to fund part of this increase through cuts to the foreign aid budget.
However, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called for even greater commitments. He urges member nations to boost defence spending beyond 3.5% of GDP.
The UK’s focus on innovation, AI integration, and cyber capabilities signals a shift in defence priorities. Officials insist this is essential to remain a leading force within NATO.
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