The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has unveiled a new collaboration with the British Esports Federation aimed at enhancing the digital and cyber capabilities of UK Armed Forces personnel. The initiative will introduce the International Defence Esports Games (IDEG), a global tournament designed to support military training and skills development, including artificial intelligence and drone operation.
Delivered through UK Strategic Command – soon to be renamed Cyber and Specialist Operations Command – the programme will combine competitive gaming with military training objectives. The MOD believes that improving service members’ digital expertise will contribute to national defence readiness.
According to a press release, the approach draws inspiration from Ukraine, where locally developed drone simulator games have been used to train operators and cyber security specialists. Officials say esports can provide an accessible platform for building digital literacy, cyber awareness and operational agility.
Initially restricted to serving personnel and reservists, IDEG participation will gradually expand to include cadets, veterans, civil servants and those employed in the defence industry. The first finals are scheduled to take place in the UK in late 2026, with British Esports and an established esports production company overseeing the event. Defence suppliers such as BAE Systems and smaller military technology firms will provide support.
Senior defence figures emphasise the operational benefits of competitive gaming. Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command, described esports and serious games as tools for building coordination, rapid decision-making and innovation in both physical and virtual environments.
The MOD has also announced the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme, a targeted recruitment route for cyber professionals. Under this programme, basic training will be shortened from 10 weeks to about one month, followed by a three-month specialist training course.
Military esports has gained traction in recent years, with the MOD officially recognising it as a sport in 2024. Earlier this year, the Royal Navy partnered with British Esports to install a dedicated gaming facility aboard HMS Prince of Wales, in collaboration with technology providers including Alienware, NVIDIA and Intel.
