Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the UK has participated in full in NATO's Locked Shields cyber defence exercise since its inception; and if not, why.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Since 2022, the UK has participated in NATO's Locked Shields cyber defence exercise. From 2025, the UK limited its involvement due to the establishment of the new Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEMF), which created transitional challenges that prevented the coherent commitment of resources. Now that DCEMF has stood up, the exercise is a priority within the UK Defensive Cyber Operating Programme to ensure that UK defensive cyber forces are fully prepared for NATO-led, large-scale warfighting.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the UK will fully participate in NATO's Locked Shields exercise in 2027 to test the UK’s preparedness in cyber defence.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
For 2027, the UK intends to fully participate in NATO's Locked Shields exercise with a cross-government team, including the National Cyber Security Centre and UK Head Office, alongside a pan-Defence group of approximately 50 personnel. Planning is well advanced, and the UK contingent is expected to partner with either Norway or Hungary to test and enhance the UK’s preparedness in cyber defence.