The Ministry of Defence has confirmed a £400 million contract with Google Cloud to build a sovereign cloud platform for classified information. The agreement was announced on 12 September and is tied to the government’s Plan for Change.
The system will be used to share intelligence between the UK and US armed forces. It will rely on artificial intelligence, cyber security tools, and data analytics to counter hostile activity. Strict controls will keep critical Ministry of Defence information under direct UK supervision.
Officials say the investment will give the armed forces stronger resilience against cyber campaigns and attempts to steal sensitive data.
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.”
What Investment Is Involved In The Deal?
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the contract is worth £400 million. Google Cloud has pledged millions more in inward investment connected to the project. This includes hiring a dedicated team in the UK to oversee the platform.
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In its announcement, Google Cloud said the sovereign cloud will give the Ministry of Defence stronger control over storage and processing while still making use of the speed and flexibility of cloud services. The system is designed to allow sensitive work to move securely across different departments.
Google Cloud said it expects to create jobs, train staff, and open up opportunities for small and medium businesses in the defence sector. 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.”
How Does This Tie Into UK–US Defence Ties?
The contract comes ahead of the second state visit to the UK by the US President. Both governments have said the visit will concentrate on deepening cooperation across security and the economy.
The UK and US already share strong intelligence links. The new cloud system is intended to build on that, in order to it harder for hostile actors to interfere with communication or launch digital attacks. The Ministry of Defence said these threats have in the past tried to disrupt daily life and undermine security.
Officials also say the investment will reassure working people that national defence is adapting to new threats. The government has presented the contract as both a security safeguard and a way to strengthen ties with the US.
What Does The Strategic Defence Review Say About Modernisation?
The Strategic Defence Review set out a drive to modernise the armed forces. It called for faster adoption of digital technology, closer work with allies and stronger resilience in cyber defence.
This contract is one of the first large initiatives to put that into action. It connects British forces to American partners on a secure digital footing and invests in tools designed to protect sensitive information.
John Healey MP, Defence Secretary, 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.”
