The Army is spending £279 million to build a new base for the soldiers who protect our military from cyber attacks.
The money will pay for new buildings at Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire. This is where 13 Signal Regiment will be based. They are the soldiers who defend the Army's computer systems from hackers and online threats.
What is being built?
The project will create brand new training buildings where soldiers will learn specialist cyber skills. There will also be modern living spaces with 248 bedrooms for single personnel.
On top of this, 30 new homes will be built for military families. Some existing family homes on the site will also be updated.
The new barracks will be home to the Army's Cyber, Information and Security Operations Centre. This is the hub that protects Army computer networks from attacks, whether troops are at home or serving overseas.
Why is this needed?
Cyber attacks are a growing threat. In the last two years, there have been more than 90,000 attacks on UK military networks. The government's Strategic Defence Review says that cyber warfare is now at the heart of modern conflict.
To meet this challenge, a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command is being set up. This will help put the UK at the front of cyber operations worldwide.
"We are making this significant investment to enhance the Army's cyber capabilities while delivering an improved lived experience for Service Personnel, alongside new homes for Service Families."
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said:
"Our Strategic Defence Review highlights how the cyber and electromagnetic domain are at the heart of modern warfare.
"We are making this significant investment to enhance the Army's cyber capabilities while delivering an improved lived experience for Service Personnel, alongside new homes for Service Families.
"Creating dozens of jobs, the work will also back local industry and demonstrates defence as an engine for growth."
Jobs and training
The project will create 92 jobs. Some of these will go to former soldiers. There will also be 32 apprenticeships with structured training programmes.
British company Bovis has been given the contract by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
When will it be ready?
Building work will start in Summer 2027. The barracks should be finished by Spring 2030, ready for the regiment to move in.
"Investment in new infrastructure at Duke of Gloucester Barracks will enable the growth of the Army's cyber capability and enhance operational readiness."
Major General AJ Smith CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure and Senior Responsible Owner for the DEO Army Programme, said:
"Investment in new infrastructure at Duke of Gloucester Barracks will enable the growth of the Army's cyber capability and enhance operational readiness.
"This project is a great example of our ongoing effort to modernise our estate, improve the environments where our people live, work and train, and provide the facilities they need to carry out their vital roles for UK Defence."
As the Army's only cyber unit, 13 Signal Regiment works to keep Army data and systems safe from online threats, both in the UK and abroad.
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