20 Nov 2025

Partnership and AI can help bridge the digital skills gap in UK defence

Guest blog by Chris Parker MBE, Director Government Strategy at Fortinet UK #DefTechWeek2025

Chris Parker MBE

Director Government Strategy, Fortinet UK

Chris is Director Government at Fortinet UK. He is an expert in strategic cybersecurity collaboration, serving as: Vice Chair of the UK Cyber Resilience Committee, Industry Co-Chair of the MOD’s Integration Working Group since 2022 and was Chair for the Department of Energy Security Supply Chain Cyber Resilience Group. Chris is a Fellow of the Tällberg Foundation, a Chartered Manager and holds a Technology Masters' Degree.

In the UK, according to a 2024 UK government review, approximately 7.5 million adults lack essential workplace digital skills and 1.9 million are unable to perform any of the essential skills required for work. Additionally, a separate report indicates that 21 million adults lack the full suite of digital essentials for the workplace, and two-thirds of large UK businesses report struggling to recruit employees with the necessary skills. In this context how can the MOD and industry work in partnership to tackle the digital skills shortage facing the MOD and Defence Enterprise? Can AI help in this challenge and how can AI skills also be increased in UK Defence?

The challenge is a significant one but not insurmountable. One other problem is being resolved: legacy tech debt. However, most of the Defence training modules are still based on older, outdated systems that are now being replaced by modern secure connectivity, as the MOD transforms to reflect the vision outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. Training needs to reflect the modern era technology in use. Reform of MOD training has not been swift as many hoped as the new DS4D (Digital Skills for Defence) programme is both broad and has been designed bespoke. To accelerate, the MOD could utilise far more of the free (and regularly updated) new industry online training that UK and global enterprise already use to keep pace. There are many advantages of this method beyond cost; many MOD staff wish to be both treated and trained the same as their civilian and enterprise colleagues. This concept would be retention positive and allow more blurring of career lines between serving the nation and working for a business: a hybrid career. Often called the ‘zig-zag’ career, this novel approach would be welcomed by many as one would not have to make a stark choice but could leave and then return several times in a full career. Another way to further ease this skills challenge is greater use of the Reserve Forces.

The UK Reserve Forces are a pillar of the UK’s national Defence Plan. As of mid-2025, the UK's Volunteer Reserve Forces have a total trained strength of approximately 29,200 personnel, a 28% increase since 2013 but down from a 2020 peak. The British Army has the largest reserve component with around 25,742 reservists, while the Maritime and RAF reserves are smaller, with approximately 3,310 and 3,030 trained personnel, respectively. However, with conflict now less conventional with ‘grey zone’ or hybrid warfare now changing force structures, the need for more technology, digital and cyber skilled personnel is rising. As the Reserves adapt, they may hold a vital boost to the UK MOD trained force capability. Reserve units now need more industry experts and motivated citizens to serve and be able to mobilise in time of national crisis. There are also ‘Type B Reserves’ who are specialists and do a few days every so often but are unpaid. Both form an interesting commitment opportunity for Industry to consider, especially those earning in the National Security and Defence markets. Individuals who do Reserve work report that they feel satisfied, less pressured and are better in their employed job because of the skills and breadth they experience. There is plentiful online material about Reserve service for those interested.

For industry’s part there are many aspects being undertaken already for MOD but good lessons can be seen in other sectors. For example, Fortinet training is used by the DP World Tour Golf employees who, like the Military, move a lot of complex modern equipment around the world but keep their people, data and devices safe and secure. Fortinet’s training is available for free to all in a global move to upskill 1 million people extra by the end of 2026.

But what of AI and the opportunities it offers? Can this alter the skills gap challenge? The answer is yes but AI needs skills too.

AI is reshaping cybersecurity faster than any previous technology. While its potential is immense, so too is its ability to be misused. The skills gap means organizations need more professionals with AI expertise—and society needs broader AI literacy. AI, machine learning, and cloud security are now seen as the hardest positions to fill with trained staff.

For job seekers and professionals seeking to advance, this presents a unique opportunity. Those who invest in AI-focused certifications and training will not only future-proof their careers but also help organizations close one of the most urgent skills gaps in the field.

How can AI (with trained staff enabling it) reduce the skills gap? Automation started a trend for staff numbers, with fewer being needed if systems can take on added workload efficiently, swiftly and accurately. Nowhere is this better seen than in cybersecurity where the automation of threat actors needs AI driven systems to spot anomalies, behaviours and potential new threats faster and at scale compared to human analysts. AI training is available today and from a range of suppliers (some for free) and if Defence is to reap the dividends from AI, then a blended in house and latest industry training on AI use, set up, prompts and monitoring is recommended.

In the MOD there is a real desire to ensure staff are digitally trained and kept current as modern technology emerges, however this culture is already present in the UK Digital Enterprise Sector. The new Defence Sector upskilling will emerge through a similar culture brought about by leadership, regulation and encouragement. Knowing that UK Defence skills can be kept up to date for exceptionally low to no cost, by a use of AI and a close partnership with industry, is the sort of success that modern Britain needs to hear. UK Defence skills growth will create a more resilient workforce and enhance national security – a real win-win.

Operationalising DefTech campaign week 2025 #DefTechWeek2025

techUK has launched its Operationalising DefTech 2025 campaign week, highlighting how emerging technologies can strengthen defence capability and accelerate innovation across the sector. The campaign showcases member insights, practical use cases, and opportunities to collaborate on the future of defence technology.

Read them here

Operationalising DefTech: Defence campaign week launch

Launching techUK’s Defence Campaign Week, Operationalising DefTech, techUK is pleased to welcome John Cunningham, the Director of UK Defence Innovation within the Ministry of Defence to brief members on MOD’s evolving approach to new technologies, alongside the co-founder of Anduril Industries Christian Brose, and Sara Sharkey from Prolinx.

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