UK military personnel will receive enhanced training in diplomacy, negotiation and languages under a new Defence Diplomacy Strategy aimed at strengthening international partnerships and influence.
The strategy, announced by John Healey, introduces a dedicated Defence Diplomacy Cadre to support personnel working in international roles, alongside expanded opportunities to train with allies and engage with partners around the world.
Under the plans, more than 200 civilian policy professionals will be trained in diplomatic and negotiation skills, while military personnel will work more closely with diplomats and language specialists as part of their development.
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The strategy also includes measures to expand international military education, with around 600 students from more than 100 countries expected to receive training through UK defence institutions, alongside efforts to strengthen long-term relationships with overseas alumni.
Officials said the approach is designed to support the UK’s role within NATO while maintaining partnerships across Europe, the Middle East, Indo-Pacific and other regions. It also places greater emphasis on defence exports and industrial collaboration as part of wider economic growth objectives.
Healey said: “In this new era of threat, now is the era for hard power, strong alliances and sure diplomacy.
“This strategy is critical for delivering security for people at home, boosting NATO’s collective deterrence and making defence an engine for jobs and growth.”
Minister for defence Lord Coaker said the strategy reflects a need to respond to a more complex global security environment, adding that partnerships beyond NATO remain essential to UK security.
The strategy forms part of the government’s wider defence reforms following the Strategic Defence Review, which aims to strengthen alliances, improve readiness and increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP from 2027.
