The UK Government has unveiled a major expansion of the cadet forces, pledging £70 million to increase participation by 30 per cent by the year 2030.
Announced on 20 August as part of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review, the new “30 by 30” initiative aims to bring an additional 40,000 young people into cadet units across the country. Officials say the programme will widen access, develop skills in science and technology, and provide new pathways into further education and employment.
“Every young person deserves the chance to discover their potential, regardless of their postcode or family income,” said Alistair Carns MP, Minister for Veterans and People. “The cadet experience doesn’t just build character – it transforms futures, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and meet new people. The government is kickstarting a new era for the cadets through this major expansion, backed by £70 million of extra funding.”
A central part of the package is the introduction of drone pilot training for RAF Air Cadets. Once formally approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, cadets will become the first youth organisation in Britain licensed to deliver industry-recognised drone qualifications. This is expected to give thousands of young people a head start in one of the fastest-growing sectors in defence and civilian technology.
The Ministry of Defence has also launched a search for a new National Cadet Champion. The role will serve to advocate for the cadet movement, raise its profile, and highlight the impact it has on young people from diverse backgrounds.
Expanding access across the UK
The Government has pledged to expand cadet centres nationwide. This will include joint Army and Air Cadet Centres, adding to the five already opened and 12 under construction. The plan will also streamline the process for adult volunteers, while veterans will be offered a fast-track route into leadership roles within cadet organisations.
To ensure sustainability, the MOD says regular and reserve military personnel will be given more opportunities to support cadet training directly, creating stronger links between the Armed Forces and communities.
The Strategic Defence Review framed the initiative as part of a wider “Plan for Change”, seeking to break down barriers for disadvantaged young people. Independent studies have found that cadet participation improves school attendance and behaviour, while also increasing the likelihood of progressing to higher education or employment.
Building skills for the future
Alongside discipline and leadership training, cadets will have greater access to STEM and digital learning opportunities. This includes cyber defence exercises, hands-on experience with drones, and exposure to submersible technologies – capabilities closely tied to the UK’s future industrial base and military innovation.
At the launch event at the National Air & Space Camp 2025, cadets were able to see modern and historic aircraft in action, from Typhoons and F-35B Lightning jets to Spitfires. More than 60 companies were present at a careers fair, linking cadets directly with future employers.
The MOD argues that the “30 by 30” initiative is not only about strengthening defence awareness among young people, but also about ensuring Britain develops a pipeline of skilled, confident citizens ready for the challenges of the future economy.
With the promise of over 40,000 new places, government ministers say the expansion represents the single largest investment in the cadet movement in decades.
Air Cadets is dull. They barely fly any more, most of the glider fleet is gone and the AEF offering is a shadow of the past. But let’s solve it by letting them fly over glorified model aircraft.
You want to increase participation buy some actual aircraft and gliders and offer something that most teenagers and their families cannot possibly afford to do themselves.
The reason might be that flying drones is the future and being actually in the aircraft is the past (for the most part).
It was fun whilst it lasted but it is now on the way out.
No point in pretending otherwise.
In my opinion this sounds like a wonderful idea. When I was allowed to “play” with a drone at aged 60ish it brought back my childhood dreams and lifted my idea of what can be done so much that I wrote to my son who had just joined the USMC and told him to get on this bandwagon!
Great stuff. Once this is sorted, can HMG do the same for the Army?
It sounds like the type of skill which will be required in all the services.
Only a small percentage of cadets go on to join the military, I still think it’s a worthwhile investment.