The Ministry of Defence has announced a £279 million investment to build a state-of-the-art home for the Army’s cyber regiment at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks near Cirencester, Gloucestershire. This major development will provide modern accommodation and specialist training facilities for the 13 Signal Regiment, enhancing the UK’s cyber defence capabilities.
The new barracks at South Cerney will feature 248 single living accommodation rooms and 30 family homes for service personnel. This project promises to create 92 local jobs and offers 32 apprenticeships, supporting ex-military personnel and boosting the regional economy. Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasized that this investment not only caters to essential accommodation but also supports cutting-edge cyber capabilities critical to national security.
The site will house the Army’s Cyber, Information and Security Operations Centre, playing a crucial role in protecting military networks from cyberattacks both domestically and abroad. The MoD’s strategic review highlights the significance of cyber and electromagnetic domains in modern warfare, noting that UK military networks faced over 90,000 cyberattacks in the past two years.
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To address these growing threats, the Army is establishing a Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, positioning the UK as a leader in cyber operations. Minister Pollard described the cyber domain as a vital front in the national defence landscape, underscoring the need for continuous investment to safeguard against digital threats.
This project will also strengthen the cybersecurity sector within Gloucestershire and the wider South West, where expertise from organisations like GCHQ already flourishes. With increased defence funding—£5 billion additional this year—resources are being allocated not only for traditional military equipment but also for advanced cyber capabilities that keep the nation safe.
Construction, led by British firm Bovis and overseen by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, is set to begin in summer 2027 and complete by spring 2030. The contract prioritizes local engagement, with 25% of spending directed to businesses within 50 miles of the site and 40% of offsite manufacturing sourced within 40 miles. Additionally, 25% of the workforce and spending target small and medium-sized enterprises.
Major General AJ Smith highlighted that the investment will enhance the Army’s cyber readiness and operational effectiveness, while modernising living and working environments for personnel. DIO and Bovis representatives echoed support for the programme, noting the transformation this will bring to the barracks and the tremendous benefits for armed forces personnel.
This development marks a significant step in evolving the UK’s defence infrastructure, reinforcing Gloucestershire’s role as a hub for cyber defence and securing critical capabilities for the future.