LONDON, May 29: The UK has unveiled a massive 1 billion cyber and artificial intelligence initiative aimed at strengthening its digital defences against alleged threats from hostile nations such as Russia, North Korea, Iran and China.
Defence Secretary John Healey announced the formation of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, which will oversee offensive hacking operations and spearhead the development of an AI-powered ‘kill web’ – a real-time digital targeting network connecting satellites, drones, F-35 jets and battlefield sensors, reports Daily Express.
“This is the nerve centre of the UK’s military that helps us defend against these attacks,” said Healey during a visit to MoD Corsham. “The keyboard has become a weapon of war.”
The new cyberwarfare command, to be led by General James Hockenhull of UK Strategic Command, will focus on degrading enemy communication and command systems, launching electronic warfare operations, and integrating cyber capabilities across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the investment will help counter the growing number of cyberattacks in the country. UK reported over 90,000 such incidents in just the last two years alone.
This highlights the sheer scale of cyberattacks and sophisticated digital threats facing London, and its need to build infrastructure to counter them.
The unit will operate alongside the National Cyber Force, a joint GCHQ-MoD body already tasked with offensive cyber operations.
London’s new initiative comes amid growing concern over the UK’s operational readiness in the ever-advancing field of cyberwarfare.
A recent report by the Commons public accounts committee warned that more than a quarter of government IT systems rely on outdated technology, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable.
Healey said the project would “set new standards” for defence and better connect the RAF, Army and Royal Navy’s cyber capabilities. “Those who prevail will be the ones able to innovate faster than their adversaries,” he added.
The Cyber and Electromagnetic Command is expected to be central to the UK’s updated Strategic Defence Review, due to be published on Monday. (UNI_)
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