In brief
Sir Ken McCallum, MI5’s chief, said the agency is devoting more resources to counter state threats than during the Cold War, noting a fourfold rise in foreign danger over the last decade. He named Russia as the leading aggressor and warned that Iran is expanding its hybrid campaign against Jewish sites and military bases. McCallum highlighted how AI is enhancing the cyber‑security game, enabling attackers to use AI for drone reconnaissance and potentially bioweapon development. He also warned of a surge in extreme right‑wing terrorism, stressing the need for an AI Threat Assessment Centre to separate misinformation from reality.
Sir Ken McCallum, MI5’s chief, underscored that the agency is allocating more resources to counter state threats than during the Cold War.
He said that threats from foreign adversaries have quadrupled over the past decade, with Russia identified as the leading aggressor and Iran escalating attacks on Jewish institutions and military sites.
McCallum highlighted Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics and warned that AI is amplifying the cyber‑security contest, enabling attackers to develop more sophisticated weaponry.
He also cited rising “extreme right‑wing terrorism,” noting that MI5 has caught individuals attempting to exploit AI for reconnaissance and drone attacks, and that extremist groups may soon harness AI to enhance bioweapon capabilities.
According to McCallum, threats from state and non‑state actors are now of “equal scale,” marking a major shift in UK security priorities.
He reviewed the National Security Act, emphasizing its use against threats from China, Iran and Russia, and referenced the 2023 law’s role in deterring foreign subversion.
McCallum announced the launch of an AI Threat Assessment Centre, which will evaluate sources of risk and separate misinformation from reality.
He concluded by stressing that the UK intelligence community is working collaboratively with the AI Security Institute to tackle these evolving threats.
