MI5 tackling more state threats than during Cold War, warns intelligence chief
MI5 Tackling More State Threats Than During the Cold War
Ninoda.com – MI5 tackling more state threats is now a greater priority than it was during the Cold War, according to director general Sir Ken McCallum. He said the Security Service is handling hostile activity from foreign states on a scale broadly comparable with its counter-terrorism work.
In his annual address at Thames House in central London, Sir Ken said activity connected to state threats had increased fourfold. Russia remains the principal concern, but MI5 is also responding to activity linked to Iran and other hostile powers.
“Russia remains aggressor number one.”
Russia’s use of proxies raises disruption risks
Sir Ken said Russia is seeking to destabilise European countries through hybrid tactics while avoiding a direct military confrontation with Nato. Such activity can include espionage, sabotage and the use of intermediaries to create disruption.
He said Russia’s intelligence networks had been weakened after nearly 1,000 expulsions since the invasion of Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin has increasingly turned to criminals and other proxies to carry out operations on its behalf.
“With its traditional covert footprint eviscerated by almost 1,000 expulsions since the invasion, the Kremlin's global toolkit is weak. So we see them scrambling to pay criminals to do their bidding.”
MI5 tackling more state threats therefore involves identifying activity that may not initially appear to be directed by a foreign intelligence service. The use of proxies can make responsibility harder to establish and give governments greater distance from attempted attacks or sabotage.
Iran-linked cases and national security powers
Iran is also pursuing what Sir Ken described as a hybrid campaign in the UK. MI5 made more than 50 arrests over the previous year in cases connected to Iranian activity.
He said much of the aggression had targeted Jewish communities, while some alleged threats involved more heavily protected locations, including military sites. The National Security Act, introduced in 2023, is being used extensively against hostile-state activity, including cases involving China, Iran and Russia.
AI creates further counter-terrorism concerns
Artificial intelligence is adding another challenge for security agencies. Sir Ken said MI5 had encountered terrorists attempting to use AI to improve reconnaissance, planning and attack methods, including through AI-enabled drones.
“We've caught terrorists seeking to exploit AI to improve their reconnaissance and attack methodologies, with AI-enabled drones adding a new twist.”
His greatest concern is that extremist groups could eventually use AI to help develop biological weapons. He stressed that this had not happened, but warned that the technology could change the risks linked to existing or emerging forms of bioweapon.
MI5, GCHQ and MI6 are working with the UK’s AI Security Institute on these issues. The concern is not only that AI could speed up existing tasks, but that it could reduce the specialist knowledge or resources needed for dangerous activity.
Terrorism threat remains severe
The UK’s national terrorism threat level was raised to severe in April for the first time in five years, meaning an attack is considered highly likely. Sir Ken said al-Qaeda and the organisation calling itself Islamic State continued to direct and inspire attacks.
He also said extreme right-wing terrorism was a significant factor in the heightened threat. MI5 tackling more state threats does not reduce its counter-terrorism role; instead, the agency is balancing both pressures at a similar operational scale.
UK security FAQ
What does a severe terrorism threat level mean? It means an attack is considered highly likely. Members of the public should remain alert, follow official safety guidance and report immediate concerns through the appropriate emergency channels.
What are state threats? State threats are hostile actions directed or supported by foreign governments. They can include espionage, sabotage, intimidation, cyber activity and attempts to target communities or critical sites.
Why is AI a security concern? MI5 is concerned that AI could help terrorists improve surveillance, planning or attack methods, and could eventually make dangerous knowledge more accessible.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MI5 tackling more state threats than?MI5 tackling more state threats than is the main topic of this guide. The article explains the context, practical details, and next steps readers should understand.
Why does MI5 tackling more state threats than matter?MI5 tackling more state threats than matters because readers are looking for a useful answer, not just a short summary. Good content should match search intent and help them decide what to do next.