Overview

• The government’s ‘30 by 30’ initiative will expand places across school-based and community units through new joint Army and Air Cadet centres, adding to five opened and 12 under construction.
• A proposed RAF Air Cadets drone pilot qualification remains subject to Civil Aviation Authority approval, which would make cadets the first UK youth group to offer an industry-recognised drone credential.
• Ministers frame the expansion as a skills pipeline into STEM and digital fields, including cyber training and hands-on experience with drones and submersible technologies.
• The Ministry of Defence will simplify volunteer onboarding, offer formal qualifications to adult volunteers, and create fast‑track routes for veterans into leadership roles.
• A National Cadet Champion will be appointed to advocate for the movement and raise its profile nationwide.