MI5 Chief Warns of Threats to UK From Russia, Iran and Artificial Intelligence
The head of Britain’s domestic intelligence service, MI5, has warned that Russia, Iran and artificial intelligence pose growing threats to the United Kingdom.
MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum issued the warning during his annual security update on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. He said Britain had entered a new era of national security that required stronger protection against foreign interference, terrorism and emerging technologies.
McCallum also revealed that MI5 is devoting more resources to countering threats from hostile states than it did during the Cold War. He said the agency’s state-threat caseload had quadrupled over the past decade.
Russia Accused of Escalating Hybrid Warfare
McCallum described Russia as Britain’s leading state adversary, accusing Moscow of increasing its use of hybrid warfare against the UK and its allies.
Hybrid warfare involves activities such as cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation and covert operations. These tactics can weaken a country without triggering a conventional military response.
According to McCallum, Russian intelligence services have increasingly relied on criminal networks and individuals recruited to carry out activities on their behalf.
He said the expulsion of almost 1,000 Russian officials since the invasion of Ukraine had significantly reduced Moscow’s traditional intelligence presence in Western countries.
McCallum also referred to a case involving a man charged with allegedly preparing to sabotage a drone factory in Swindon. The case illustrates British authorities’ concerns about attempts to damage facilities linked to national security and defence.
Russia has denied involvement in hostile activities in Britain and other Western countries.
Iran Expands Its Activities in Britain
McCallum also warned that Iran was expanding its activities in the UK, including alleged operations targeting political opponents, Iranian media organisations and Israeli interests.
He said Iran-linked investigations had resulted in more than 50 arrests in Britain over the previous 12 months.
According to the MI5 chief, a significant proportion of the reported activity had targeted Jewish communities. He also highlighted what he described as a shift towards more ambitious operations against military sites.
His comments came amid investigations into suspected security threats involving British military facilities.
McCallum did not disclose sensitive details of ongoing investigations, saying that doing so could affect future prosecutions.
Iran has rejected accusations of conducting hostile operations in Britain.
Artificial Intelligence Raises New Security Concerns
Artificial intelligence was another major focus of McCallum’s warning. He said AI was already changing the security landscape by helping attackers and defenders develop new capabilities.
According to the intelligence chief, terrorists have attempted to use AI to improve reconnaissance and their methods of carrying out attacks.
He also warned that the technology could help hostile actors create convincing propaganda and radicalising material tailored to individual users.
Another concern involves the potential use of AI in biological weapons development.
McCallum said the misuse of AI could increase the risks associated with existing biological weapons or contribute to the development of new pathogens.
However, he presented this as a future risk rather than evidence that terrorists had already developed new biological weapons using AI.
MI5 Establishes New AI Threat Assessment Centre
McCallum announced that MI5 had launched an AI Threat Assessment Centre, known as AITAC, in 2026.
The centre brings together expertise from several organisations, including the UK’s AI Security Institute, National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre.
Its role is to assess emerging threats linked to artificial intelligence and help authorities distinguish realistic risks from exaggerated claims.
McCallum said the UK intelligence community must keep pace with technological developments to prevent hostile actors from gaining an advantage.
He also acknowledged the potential benefits of AI, stressing the importance of ensuring that the technology strengthens rather than undermines national security.
Terrorism and Critical Infrastructure Remain Priorities
The MI5 chief warned that the threats facing Britain extend beyond espionage and foreign interference.
Cyberattacks against energy systems, disruption to financial services and attacks on essential infrastructure could affect ordinary people directly.
He also highlighted the continuing threat from Islamist extremist groups and extreme-right ideologies.
McCallum said protecting the country would require cooperation between intelligence agencies, police, businesses and the wider public.
He called for greater resilience so that essential services can continue operating even when attacks occur.
Britain Faces an Evolving Security Challenge
McCallum’s annual assessment highlights the increasingly complex nature of Britain’s security challenges.
Russia’s alleged hybrid operations, Iran-linked activities and the potential misuse of artificial intelligence present different risks that require coordinated responses.
The creation of AITAC reflects the government’s effort to address emerging technological threats while maintaining existing counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations.
For MI5, the central challenge is to identify threats early, protect critical infrastructure and prevent hostile actors from exploiting weaknesses in British society.
McCallum said the country must adapt to this changing environment, warning that national security is no longer limited to military installations or government buildings. It also concerns the safety of communities, businesses and the services people rely on every day.
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