InfoSec People’s Head of Practice | Security Consulting, Joel Hughes, is a trusted advisor to consultancies delivering Cyber Security services to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). He supports leadership teams and board members with strategic insights across both public and private sectors. He has shared his perspective here to help cyber professionals and decision-makers understand how the SDR will shape the future of defence, technology, and talent in the UK.
The UK has this week released its Strategic Defence Review (SDR) after many months of speculation. We now have a clearer picture of Sir Keir Starmer’s expectations for what defence will look like in the UK, and how we interact and align with our NATO counterparts.
The global threat has intensified, and certainly in my lifetime, has never been higher. With nation states posing a near-constant threat or attack on our Critical National Infrastructure, alongside organised cyber crime, the need for strong Cyber Resilience has never been more apparent.
The Keyboard Is Now Weaponised
A central component of the SDR is the UK’s creation of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command. This new unit will oversee cyber security activities-both offensive and defensive-within the UK. Its goal is to strengthen our resilience in the face of increasing cyberattacks, with nearly 100,000 attacks targeting MOD networks in the past two years.
The UK Government has announced investment exceeding £1 billion into a pioneering battlefield system called the Digital Targeting Web. Built to enhance the speed and precision of identifying and neutralising confirmed targets, it will use AI trained on data from recent conflicts to deliver faster, smarter decision-making in combat.
UK Defence: Expanding Strategic Capabilities
The SDR outlines plans to increase the UK’s nuclear deterrent, expanding our submarine fleet. Cyber security will be at the forefront of developing and deploying the Dreadnought and SSNR (Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement) systems, which are expected to enter service by 2030 and beyond.
UK Defence Spending
The UK have committed to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, aiming to hit 3% by a ‘undetermined date’. The UK now sits in 9th place in the NATO countries in Defence spend. Sitting substantially behind leader Poland (4.12%) and slightly ahead of Romania (2.25%). As a leading military power, we have some way to go.
Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions
The SDR has emphasis on Cyber Security, which is good recognition for the evolving nature of Warfare at a global level. The creation of the ‘Cyber Command’ and focus on Drone warfare are solid identifiers that our Defences are maturing to cope with modern problems, ensuring the UK’s elite technology industries and professionals will remain hugely in demand as the world evolves. With global Security frameworks, such as Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), solidifying the way information is shared cross continents, the UK has to remain resilient, but not resistant to change.
What Lies Ahead?
The UK’s Defence strategy is evolving to meet the demands of a digital future, and competing across the globe to defend our own and our allies borders. Are we seeing the development most people wished for? That remains to be seen, but with levels of assurances growing, and the highly skilled workforce the UK possesses, we shall remain a leading power in Cyber Security expertise.
We should see a significant uptick in demand for skills across the Cyber and Technology sector. Private sector businesses that support the MOD and Government will be required to continue adding immense value to programmes, and collaboration between businesses will need to develop to ensure successful deliveries from multiple invested parties. I believe that we will see less of a monopoly of major players securing vast programmes of work, and smaller SME businesses will be high value partners for delivering niche and complex work.
With the formation of the new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command and growing investment in AI-led systems, demand for specialist skills in Compliance, Cyber Defence, AI, Threat Intelligence, Offensive Security, and Secure Infrastructure will only intensify. The private sectors will play a vital role in supplying the MOD with modern technology solutions and expertise. This should create a surge in job opportunities for cyber professionals. This marks not just a shift in military priorities but a broader transformation in the UK’s tech landscape, one where cyber capability becomes as strategically valuable as boots on the ground. But only if we collaborate.
If you’d like to find out more, discuss cyber strategy, or explore new opportunities, please contact Joel at joel@infosecpeople.co.uk or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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