The UK’s armed forces will accelerate the recruitment of cyber specialists as online threats continue to escalate, with over 90,000 cyberattacks recorded in the last two years, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Rapid Recruitment for Cyber Defence
To strengthen Britain’s digital security, the MoD has introduced a fast-track programme that will reduce basic training for cyber recruits from ten weeks to one month. These specialists will be offered a starting salary of £40,000, among the highest in the armed forces, before undergoing three months of specialist training at the Defence Cyber Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire. They are expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Government Response to Rising Threats
Announcing the initiative on Thursday, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard described cyberspace as a “new front line” and emphasised the need for swift action. “With more than 90,000 cyberattacks on UK military networks over the last two years, it is essential that we step up our cyber defence, fast-tracking the brightest and the best cyber specialists to help protect the UK and our allies,” he said.
The pilot programme aims to recruit 32 specialists in 2025, with plans to expand the intake in future years.
Growing Cybersecurity Concerns
The announcement follows warnings from security officials about the increasing cyber threat. Richard Horne, head of the National Cyber Security Centre, stated in December that the risk was “getting broader and in some parts deeper.” MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum has also cautioned that cyberspace is becoming “ever more important” to Russia as it seeks to challenge Western defences.
Deployment and Strategic Roles
New recruits will be stationed at key defence locations, including the Armed Forces’ digital headquarters in Corsham, Wiltshire, where they will work on securing military networks. Others will be assigned to the National Cyber Force, a joint initiative between GCHQ and the MoD, which is tasked with countering cyber threats to the UK.
Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Fast-tracking cyber warriors into our military will help ensure our armed forces are better equipped to face our adversaries in the 21st century and defend the country from the changing threats we face. After years of hollowing out, our Government is making Britain secure at home and strong abroad, delivering on our Plan for Change and the hardworking British people.”
Future Expansion
Initially, these cyber roles will be part of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, with the Army expected to join recruitment efforts in 2026 and beyond. The move is part of a broader effort to modernise the UK’s military capabilities and address emerging digital threats.
