- Military personnel from over 40 nations compete to sharpen
cyber skills through gaming
- Esports tournament develops digital skills to defend against
cyber threats
- Initiative applies lessons from Ukraine's use of gaming
technology in warfare
Britain's future cyber warriors will sharpen digital combat
skills through the International Defence Esports Games (IDEG),
launched today with over 40 allied nations in London.
Following the UK officially recognising esports as a military
sport in 2024, the IDEG acts as a collaborative arena for allied
nations to sharpen the cyber skills that are critical for modern
warfare - supporting the government's Plan for Change to
strengthen national security.
With over 90,000 cyber-attacks targeting the UK annually, the
initiative builds digital skills essential for keeping Britain
secure at home and abroad.
Personnel develop critical battlefield skills through competitive
gaming, such as tracking multiple threats at once, directing
soldiers on the ground, performing under intense pressure, and
changing tactics based on live intelligence.
Serving personnel from nations including the UK, Canada and
Poland will compete for the first time at IDEG26. Ukrainian
forces also proved gaming's tactical value by developing drone
simulator games, which improved operators' targeting accuracy and
reaction times, enabling more effective missions against Russian
forces.
, Minister for
Veterans and People, said:
"The Strategic Defence Review has shown us clearly that the
nature of war is changing, and we must change with it. The
Government's Plan for Change demands forces are ready for digital
battlegrounds, where our personnel must be as skilled in
cybersecurity and with controllers as they are in traditional
combat.
"Lessons from Ukraine have shown how gaming technology can train
drone operators and develop the rapid decision-making skills
essential for modern warfare. The International Defence Esports
Games (IDEG) positions Britain at the forefront of this
transformation, ensuring our armed forces are prepared for the
conflicts of tomorrow."
Modern warfare demands rapid digital decision-making, drone
operation skills, and cyber capabilities. Personnel must process
tactical information instantly while maintaining precision under
combat pressure.
The competition finals will take place at the new National Gaming
and Esports Arena in Sunderland in October 2026, featuring
live-streamed tournaments and strategic summits exploring cyber
security, AI, and drone operations.
General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander of Cyber
and Specialist Operations Command, said:
"The International Defence Esports Games represent a significant
step forward in developing the cyber and digital skills essential
for modern military operations. Lessons from conflicts including
Ukraine have demonstrated the real-world value of gaming
technology in training drone operators and enhancing cyber
capabilities.
“IDEG will strengthen our warfighting readiness whilst building
crucial partnerships with allied nations who share our commitment
to technological innovation in defence."
Chester King, President of British Esports,
said:
“The launch of the IDEG is a historic occasion for British
Esports and military personnel worldwide. We are honoured to host
the inaugural finals at our National Esports Performance Campus
in Sunderland, which will showcase our world-class facilities and
the city and region's emerging status as a digital innovation
cluster.
“With international interest already coming from cities in the
USA and Australia to host IDEG27, we are focused on making this
first event a phenomenal success.”
Today's launch was supported by partnerships with BAE Systems,
Babcock International, and the British Forces Broadcasting
Service (BFBS) serving as official media partner, bringing
comprehensive coverage to personnel across allied nations. For
IDEG26, global advertising agency M&S Saatchi join as a
founding partner and Babcock International as the founding
mission partner.
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Notes to editors:
- Entries will open in January 2026, with online qualifying
heats giving military esports teams the chance to reach the live
finals in October.
- For more, visit the International Defence Esports Games
website at ideg.gg
