UK to spend £1bn on defence AI and cyber attack force

The UK will spend more than £1bn on developing artificial intelligence (AI) in defence and set up a cyber-attack force, targeting countries deemed 'hostile'.

British Defense Secretary John Healey - Photo: AFP

According to the Telegraph , British Defense Secretary John Healey said the new force will operate under the command of the Cyber ​​and Electronic Warfare Command - the unit responsible for enhancing the British military's cyber attack capabilities.

The force is also overseeing a £1bn investment in an advanced, AI-powered targeting system called the 'kill web', which is directly connected to military systems.

Mr Healey added that the electronic warfare unit would be tested under the government 's strategic defence review (SDR), which aims to set new standards for modern defence operations.

The UK defence secretary stressed that the establishment of the new command is part of a long-term defence strategy, to respond to the situation of the UK constantly being attacked by cyber from abroad. "Today, the keyboard has become a weapon of war," he said on May 28 at the defence technology facility in Corsham.

Asked whether the British military had the ability to carry out cyber attacks against Russia or China, Mr Healey said it was “absolutely possible”.

Analysts say this is the clearest signal yet that Britain is ready to engage more deeply in the cyber arena. The move comes amid escalating global competition in technology and cybersecurity.

The fighting in Ukraine is a testament to the fact that those who prevail are not only better equipped and better trained, but also those who can network more effectively and innovate faster than their opponents, Mr Healey said.

“That's what our new Cyber ​​Command allows us to do,” he added.

UYEN PHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/anh-chi-1-ti-bang-cho-ai-quoc-phong-va-luc-luong-tan-cong-mang-20250529161855657.htm