Britain has unveiled a new international military esports competition designed to sharpen the digital combat skills needed for modern warfare, drawing on

lessons from Ukraine’s use of gaming technology on the battlefield.

More than 40 allied nations gathered in London for the launch of the International Defence Esports Games (IDEG), an initiative that builds on the UK’s decision in 2024 to formally recognise esports as an official military sport. The new games form part of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at strengthening national security in an increasingly digital era.

The Ministry of Defence says the programme addresses a growing threat landscape, with over 90,000 cyber-attacks hitting the UK each year. By using competitive gaming, military personnel can practise skills central to cyber operations: tracking simultaneous threats, making split-second decisions, adapting strategies in real time, and coordinating ground units under pressure.

Forces from the UK, Canada, Poland and other allied countries will compete in the first full IDEG season, culminating in finals at Sunderland’s new National Gaming and Esports Arena in October 2026. The event will also host strategic summits on cybersecurity, AI and drone warfare, reflecting the shifting demands placed on modern militaries.

Ukraine’s experience has heavily influenced the project. Its armed forces have used drone simulator games to train operators, improving reaction speeds and targeting accuracy against Russian positions. British officials say this demonstrates how gaming technologies can deliver tangible battlefield advantages.

“We must be ready for digital battlegrounds, where our personnel need to be as comfortable with cybersecurity and controllers as with traditional weapons,” said Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People. “Lessons from Ukraine show how gaming can build rapid decision-making skills essential for modern warfare. IDEG places Britain at the forefront of this transformation.”

General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander of Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, described the programme as “a significant step forward” in developing the digital capabilities required for contemporary conflicts. Strengthening international cooperation, he added, will be key to improving collective readiness.

The initiative has drawn strong interest from across the global esports sector. Chester King, President of British Esports, called the launch “a historic moment” and said cities in the United States and Australia are already seeking to host future editions of the games.

The IDEG is backed by major defence and industry partners including BAE Systems, Babcock International and the British Forces Broadcasting Service, with M&C Saatchi joining as a founding partner for IDEG26. Photo: Harland Quarrington/MOD, Wikimedia commons.