UK military to take up esports to attract talent and improve skills
UK military personnel will improve their digital and cyber skills through a new esports collaboration, which will include a focus on AI and drone operation.
The Ministry of Defence has appointed the British Esports Federation to deliver a new first-of-its-kind defence and industry esports tournament through UK Strategic Command, soon to be Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.
Lessons from Ukraine, including Ukrainian’s producing their own drone simulator games to improve hand-eye coordination, have shown how esports can be used to successfully train drone operators and cybersecurity specialists, the Ministry of Defence said in an accompanying statement on Tuesday (29 July).
The International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) will help members of the Armed Forces develop cyber, digital and wider military skills, it said.
Initially open to service personnel, including reservists, IDEG will expand to eventually include cadets, veterans, civil servants and anyone working in the defence industry.
The inaugural IDEG finals – where competitions would be held – will be organised in partnership with British Esports and a leading esports production company, and will be held in the UK in late 2026.
The event is being supported by Defence suppliers, including BAE Systems, as well as several smaller military technology companies.
“Military esports has been steadily growing in recent years, and today we’re delighted to announce a first-of-its-kind tournament for military personnel around the world,” said Chester King (President of British Esports).
“The UK’s armed forces have recognised video games as a positive activity that can improve personnel welfare and morale, foster digital and cyber skills, and strengthen relations across the armed forces and beyond. We’re happy to announce the International Defence Esports Games and support the future of the military,” he said.
Recently, the Royal Navy partnered with British Esports to launch an esports facility aboard UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, featuring gaming gear from the likes of Alienware, NVIDIA and Intel.
Those in attendance included members of the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Esports Association (SGEA), the national body British Esports, and Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command, Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, who has been championing esports across UK Defence.
