The UK Government has announced that the National Cyber Force (NCF) will be based at Samlesbury in Lancashire, UK.
The move comes nearly a year after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the creation of NCF to combat cyber threats from criminals, terrorists and hostile states. The organisation is also capable of undertaking offensive cyber operations.
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NCF draws personnel from intelligence, cyber and security agency GCHQ, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).
At Samlesbury, the organisation is expected to form a new campus to support its operations. The selection of the permanent location is also expected to generate skilled jobs in north-west England.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The National Cyber Force located in Samlesbury will embrace exciting new offensive cyber technologies and provide thousands of highly skilled jobs and expertise to the north-west.
“I am hugely proud and enthusiastic to see this happen, not only will it provide a catalyst for investment, but also see our levelling up agenda bring economic stimulus and tangible benefits to this region.”
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “The National Cyber Force is at the cutting edge of our country’s defence.
“Basing the campus at Samlesbury in Lancashire will bring high skilled and well-paid jobs to the area, building on our drive to move key public sector roles outside of London.
“It underlines this government’s important levelling up agenda and our commitment to spread opportunity across the country.”
Last month, Babcock International Group secured a contract from the MoD to deliver a new Defence Strategic Radio Service (DSRS) to critical military operations.
