UK Unleashes £1bn Cyber Warfare Command to Counter Russia and China

The UK government has announced a major military upgrade focused on cyber warfare, with more than £1 billion allocated to a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command. The move signals Britain’s most assertive stance yet on offensive hacking operations aimed at hostile states such as Russia and China.

Defence Secretary John Healey unveiled the initiative, emphasizing that “the keyboard has become a weapon of war.” The new command will be a centerpiece of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) set to be published on Monday, and is tasked with strengthening both defensive and offensive cyber capabilities.

Offensive Hacking Now Central to UK Defence

This announcement marks the clearest confirmation yet that Britain is willing to engage in offensive cyber attacks, not just defend against them. Healey confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is expanding its capability to carry out digital assaults on adversaries, with operations targeting state-sponsored hackers from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

For the past five years, the National Cyber Force—a joint effort between GCHQ and the Ministry of Defence—has handled military cyber operations. These will now be coordinated with the new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, consolidating efforts across cyber and electronic warfare.

Fighting on the Digital Frontlines

The new command will leverage AI-powered systems, including a “kill web” — officially referred to as the Digital Targeting Web — that connects sensors, drones, aircraft, ships, and cyber units in real-time. This network is designed to enable rapid battlefield decision-making by seamlessly sharing threat information and targeting data across military assets.

Planned for activation by 2027, the kill web could, for example, detect a threat via a shipborne or space-based sensor and immediately neutralize it using an F-35 jet, drone strike, or cyber sabotage. The initiative aims to reflect lessons learned from Ukraine, where digital connectivity and rapid response have been key to countering Russian advances.

Daily Cyber Attacks Prompt Urgent Action

Healey described the UK’s cyber threat environment as “continual and intensifying,” revealing that the Ministry of Defence has endured 90,000 cyber attacks in the last two years—double the number recorded in 2023 alone.

The new unit will also focus on electromagnetic warfare, including jamming enemy communications and disrupting command systems. This capability complements traditional military operations and represents a broader shift toward technologically advanced, networked warfare.

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

To address a chronic shortage of cyber talent, the MoD is fast-tracking recruits into specialist roles through its Cyber Direct Entry programme. Healey noted that while previous governments had emphasized the importance of cyber capabilities, they lacked a unified approach that integrated the Army, Navy, and RAF. “You might have seen the talk—now you’ll see the walk,” he said.

Outdated Systems Leave Gaps

A recent report from the Commons public accounts committee warned that aging IT infrastructure across government departments has left the UK vulnerable to cyber threats. Over a quarter of public sector systems rely on outdated technology, widening the gap between evolving threats and national cyber readiness.

A Connected Force for Modern Conflict

General Sir James Hockenhull, Commander of UK Strategic Command, will oversee the new cyber division, which also supports the government’s broader strategy to enhance national security and promote economic stability.

Healey concluded, “Future conflicts will be won by forces that are better connected, better equipped, and faster to innovate. We are building a cyber-enabled force to meet the challenges of modern warfare and to protect the UK from hostile actors in the digital age.”