Cyber-attacks know no borders, and with the transnational nature
of digital threats evolving we must work with allies to keep
Britain safe.
The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Defence
Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of
Excellence (ACICE) hosted the third Digital Defence Symposium
(DDS) in Singapore, bringing together more than 300 senior
defence officials, academics, industry experts and international
partners from across 35 countries and organisations, to discuss
the latest developments in the cybersecurity and information
domains, amid challenges presented by emerging technologies and
rising geopolitical tensions.
ACICE was established in June 2021, aiming to connect ASEAN
countries and other international partners to enhance
multilateral cooperation in defence against cyberattacks,
disinformation and misinformation. This is achieved through
information sharing, and raising awareness and knowledge of
potential threats, trends and developments in the cybersecurity
and information domains.
At the symposium, the ‘Building Effective Digital Military
Forces' panel saw representatives from the UK, Singapore and
Japan – including our Deputy Commander, Lieutenant General Sir
Tom Copinger-Symes – discuss how investment, such as training,
doctrine, structure, or equipment, can build a capable force that
is ready to respond to digital threats.
As collaboration becomes increasingly paramount to defend against
modern threats, leaders shared insight into how militaries can
use multinational operations and alliances to enhance
interoperability and counter digital threats. They also covered
how artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and cyber
capabilities can ethically be integrated with human judgement and
resilience to create a strong, warfighting ready force.
The Strategic Defence Review outlined a need to align
capabilities and defence priorities. As the Command responsible
for defending the UK in cyberspace and leading on integrating
cyber effects into operational planning, we must work in
partnership with our allies and partners to achieve this and
continue to put NATO first. However, as this conference has
demonstrated, prioritising NATO does not mean focusing solely on
it – it also involves strengthening our regional partnerships
around the globe.
This symposium offered a platform to do so, ensuring our strong
international partnerships within the region, as an ASEAN
Dialogue Partner, and wider keep us ahead of our adversaries in
an ever-contested digital landscape.
