Global cyber competition secures and strengthens key relationships

Defence Cyber Marvel 3 (DCM3) has taken place in Estonia - the first pan-Defence initiative to build a grass roots community across Defence, His Majesty’s Government and international allies and partners.

This year in Tallinn, 41 teams took part with one thousand participants from 90 organisations, 17 nations and 51 industry partners.

The event presented a broad experimental environment specifically targeted at simulating cyber innovation for participants of all skill levels and experience.

Teams took part in various technical challenges, competing against each other whilst being judged. Key tasks included building and training Artificial Intelligence to aid commanders’ decision making.

Cyber Warfare might sound like something that happens in a sci-fi movie, but the reality is, is that it is happening in our everyday lives.

2Lt Boxall

2nd Lieutenant Ellie Boxall said: “Cyber Warfare might sound like something that happens in a sci-fi movie, but the reality is, is that it is happening in our everyday lives.

"We really put them through their paces, simulating a series of attacks that escalate from state attacks take out bits of government all the way through to potentially almost all-out war.”

Closer collaboration across UK government, with allies, partners and industry allows the acceleration of the British Army’s Future Soldier modernisation programme optimising how it will fight and win in the future. ​ 

Captain Masahito Nakajim, of the Japan Self-Defence Force, was one of the participants in the allied teams:

“It’s the first time for us to come to Estonia to join the DCM3. It’s a good opportunity for us to have a cooperation with other teams and countries.”

Learning from the painful lessons of Ukraine, the British Army is innovating to stay ahead of its adversaries.

Colonel Ian Hargreaves, Chair of the Army Cyber Association, explained the importance of the event: “In the first few weeks of this year, there would have been cyber-attacks against, schools, hospitals, courts systems, councils, transportation, water and other critical national infrastructure.”

We had 17 different nations participating, not just NATO partners, but also many friends and allies in the Indo-pacific region.

Col Hargreaves, Chair of the Army Cyber Association

“We had 17 different nations participating, not just NATO partners, but also many friends and allies in the Indo-pacific region.

“This is the biggest ever exercise that’s been organised by the volunteers, the Army Cyber Association, and I am really proud of what this organisation has managed to achieve.”

DCM3 is a great example of entrepreneurial Innovation emerging from a thriving and empowered cyber organisation, ensuring the diversity of people can maximise their technical talents and aims to up skill a bright cohort of emerging serving talent. 

The Army is creating cyber trade groups in Royal Signals and Intelligence Corps within the Army’s Cyber Discipline.