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UK – US defence and security ties enhanced through major deal
with Google Cloud – delivering the Government's Plan for
Change.
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UK Armed Forces enter new phase of operational readiness with
£400 million investment
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Comes ahead of the historic second State Visit of the US
President that will deliver economic growth and security for
working people.
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Deal delivers a key recommendation from the Strategic Defence
Review for a digitally integrated force.
Working people will be more secure as the UK Armed Forces prepare
for the new era of threats with a major deal with Google Cloud
for the latest security technology - strengthening collaboration
between the UK and US.
The partnership means that the latest technology developed by
Google Cloud, including AI, data analytics, and cyber security,
will be used by defence intelligence and national security
specialists to share secure information between our partners and
outcompete our adversaries.
The Ministry of Defence helped secure the £400 million contract,
which will strengthen secure communication links between the UK
and US, in addition to the extensive intelligence and security
partnership our two countries already share.
This delivers a key recommendation from the Strategic Defence
Review for a digitally integrated service, providing resilient
and secure networks.
The deal has already led to millions of pounds of inward
investment from Google Cloud, who will recruit a specialist
dedicated team in the UK to manage the technology. This is the
latest example of how the government is expanding the UK's
defence capabilities to create economic growth and make the
nation feel more secure in their everyday lives – delivering on
the priorities of the Plan for Change.
This comes ahead of the US President's historic second state
visit to the UK, where he and the Prime Minister will further
enhance the strong ties shared between two countries to grow our
economies and strengthen our special relationship in a more
uncertain world.
Defence Secretary MP said:
Today's investment shows how defence is an engine for growth,
supporting highly skilled UK jobs and a vibrant British tech
start-up ecosystem.
Secure, seamless communication with our allies is crucial for
national security and Google Cloud's investment will build up our
world-leading secret tech for the future.
The deal also delivers on the Strategic Defence Review, helping
us develop the latest digital technology to counter our
adversaries.
This project builds on the Strategic Defence Review, which
recommends the UK Armed Forces rapidly modernise, embrace the
latest technology and stand steadfast with our allies including
the US.
This asset will help us outmatch hostile actors, who we have seen
attempt to cause chaos for working people by disrupting their
everyday lives, including by trying to steal sensitive
information and launching targeted cyber campaigns.
The technology has strict data sovereignty and security controls,
ensuring that the MOD's critical data remains under direct UK
control.
General Sir James Hockenhull KBE ADC Gen, Commander,
Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, UK MOD,
said:
The Ministry of Defence is committed to utilising next-generation
technology and AI to enhance our operational capabilities and
ensure the security of the United Kingdom.
This partnership is a critical component of our digital
transformation strategy, and we are pleased to partner with
Google Cloud to deliver a secure and
resilient cloud environment for our highly sensitive
data.
Tara Brady, EMEA President, Google Cloud, said:
Google Cloud is dedicated to supporting the UK government's
mission to develop a robust and resilient infrastructure and
harness the latest technology innovations. This partnership will
enable the MOD to accelerate its digital modernisation efforts
while maintaining the highest levels of security and data
sovereignty.
