UK MoD: Cadet Forces expansion target delayed to 2035

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that the planned 30 per cent expansion of the UK's Cadet Forces has been pushed back by five years, moving the target date from 2030 to 2035. The department states the delay is part of measures required to increase the rate of Armed Forces transformation.

Ministerial Confirmation

The confirmation came in a written answer from Defence Minister Calvin Bailey to Reform UK MP Andrew Rosindell, who asked what steps are being taken to increase the number of new cadets joining in 2026.

"The Strategic Defence Review recommended an expansion of in-school and community-based Cadet Forces across the UK of 30% by 2030. This timeline has recently been re-set in the Defence Investment Plan to 2035 as one of the measures required to increase the rate of Armed Forces transformation," Bailey said, as quoted in the answer.

"Nevertheless, we are continuing to invest to expand and modernise the Cadet Forces and improve opportunities for young people across the UK."

Key Details

• The 30 per cent increase equates to an additional 40,000 cadets — the first time this figure has been stated in this form.
• Work to determine how the growth will be delivered remains at an early stage.
• The MoD is undertaking a detailed assessment of the enablers required to support expansion, described as a key element in setting the foundations for sustainable growth.

Background and Rationale

The expansion was among the more widely welcomed recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, which highlighted the Cadet Forces' role in:

• Social mobility
• Skills development
• Strengthening the connection between the Armed Forces and society

The Government's own answer restates the case, citing evidence that participation in the Cadet Forces improves school performance and employment prospects.

Challenges and Next Steps

Delivering growth on this scale depends heavily on adult volunteers, the perennial constraint on cadet numbers. The answer confirms that a new Cadets Action Plan is in development, focused on:

• Modernising the cadet experience
• Providing an attractive offer to recruit and retain volunteers
• Ensuring cadets and the adults who support them have the right resources

National Cadets Week

The answer also reveals that the first National Cadets Week will be held in October 2026 to raise the profile of what Bailey called "one of the country's most effective youth organisations." The event will showcase the MoD Cadet Forces and give thousands of young people the opportunity to discover the cadet experience.