Britain is set to escalate its offensive cyber operations against Russia and China, according to Defence Secretary John Healey. Healey emphasized that “the keyboard is now a weapon of war,” highlighting the growing significance of cyber warfare in national defense strategies. The UK’s new cyber command, led by General Sir James Hockenhull, will coordinate these initiatives, aiming to disrupt enemy operations and counter propaganda.
Over the past two years, the Ministry of Defence has faced 90,000 cyberattacks, double the amount from the previous period, primarily from state-linked sources. To enhance its capabilities, the UK is investing an additional £1 billion in a digital targeting web to improve battlefield intelligence-sharing. The upcoming strategic defense review will emphasize the importance of cyber readiness and inter-service cooperation.
Concerns about potential Russian retaliation persist, but the consistent cyber threats have prompted the UK to preemptively bolster its cyber defenses. The new cyber command will unite personnel from the Royal Navy, RAF, and British Army, enhancing coordination with the National Cyber Force.
This strategic shift underscores the UK’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and adapting to the evolving landscape of warfare, where digital capabilities play a pivotal role.
