National Cyber Force gets new commander from the RAF

The Royal Air Force's Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes has been announced as the new commander of the UK's National Cyber Force (NCF).

AVM Neal-Hopes, who joins the unit from Strategic Command, where he served as the director for cyber, intelligence and information integration, said he is "committed to realising the vision for the NCF and building a force that truly represents the nation we serve".

He is the NCF's second-ever commander, and the first member of the Armed Forces to hold the position.

• BFBS stamps down on cyber-criminals
• What is the Army's social media policy?
• National Cyber Force reveals how it keeps the UK safe

The NCF

Established in 2020, the NCF is a partnership between defence and intelligence that carries out cyber operations daily to protect against threats to the UK, further, the UK's foreign policy, support military operations, and prevent serious crime.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said: "The NCF is committed to demonstrating responsible cyber behaviour, including through strict adherence to robust legal and ethical frameworks and robust oversight and accountability." 

AVM Neal-Hopes will oversee this growth and open the NCF's new headquarters in the village of Samlesbury in Lancashire when it is completed in 2025.

He will also continue scaling NCF's integration with other parts of government, partners, and a growing number of international allies.

AVM Neal-Hopes said of his appointment: "The last two decades of my life have been invested in supporting the evolution of the UK's cyber power, and so I am immensely proud to take on the role of commander.

"The NCF has a clear vision to be a vital tool of the UK's statecraft, delivering increasing impact for the nation and exemplifying globally the responsible projection of cyber power.

"Nearly four years on from its creation, NCF's impact has been felt across all facets of the UK's national security, from supporting and protecting military operations to countering state threats and disrupting criminal activity.

"It is a privilege to be working with such diverse and talented people.

"NCF's blend of skills and expertise in its workforce is an absolute strength and unlike anywhere else because of its unique defence and intelligence partnership.

"I am committed to realising the vision for the NCF and building a force that truly represents the nation we serve."