The Ministry of Defence has formally reshaped the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC), establishing it as the fourth Military Command alongside the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. The move places cyber and specialist capabilities on equal footing with traditional domains of warfare, reflecting the strategic shift outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.
CSOC unifies Defence’s cyber, intelligence, medical, special operations, and overseas attaché capabilities under a single command structure. Bringing together more than 26,000 specialists across 130 global sites, it will provide 24/7 integrated operations to protect the UK, support NATO, and ensure warfighting readiness. Its remit includes defending critical networks, safeguarding military assets, protecting supply chains and countering disinformation campaigns that increasingly define modern conflict.
The restructuring responds directly to the lessons of recent conflicts, notably in Ukraine, which have demonstrated how cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum are now as contested as land, sea and air. Persistent cyberattacks, the deployment of drones, and the use of disinformation as a weapon highlight the requirement for integrated digital and kinetic capabilities.
General Sir James Hockenhull, Commander CSOC, described the organisation as “always on, acting with insight, speed and impact.” He emphasised CSOC’s role in delivering specialist operations, arming Defence with intelligence, and supporting the integration of AI, data-driven systems and digital warfare into UK capabilities.
For UK industry, the establishment of CSOC signals expanding opportunities in cyber defence, advanced digital technologies, electronic warfare and data-driven operational tools. Collaboration with the supply chain will be critical to sustaining the UK’s advantage in cyber operations, ensuring secure networks, and delivering innovative technologies at pace. Defence leaders have highlighted that CSOC’s effectiveness depends not only on military expertise but also on close partnerships with industry and academia to accelerate capability development.
The creation of CSOC reinforces the government’s commitment to building an Integrated Force, designed to deter and respond to threats across all domains simultaneously. By embedding cyber and specialist operations within a dedicated command, the MOD is seeking to ensure the UK is positioned to out-think, out-pace and out-fight adversaries in an era where the opening blows of conflict are increasingly digital.
For suppliers and contractors, CSOC’s expanded scope is expected to generate sustained demand for secure systems, digital integration, advanced medical support, and resilience solutions. The command’s central role in modern operations highlights the growing importance of the cyber and specialist support supply chain in meeting national security objectives.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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