MI5 Reports Rise in State Threats, Warns of AI-Enabled Terrorism

The UK’s domestic intelligence service, MI5, is devoting more resources to countering state threats than during the Cold War, with Russia identified as “aggressor number one,” according to its director general, Sir Ken McCallum. McCallum stated that MI5 is now contending with roughly equal scales of terrorism and state threat operations, as threats from foreign adversaries have quadrupled. He detailed a hybrid warfare campaign by Russia, which has shifted from direct covert action to utilizing proxies following the expulsion of nearly 1,000 Russian spies from the UK. Iran is also expanding its hybrid campaign within the UK, resulting in 50 arrests in the last year, largely targeting Jewish communities and military sites. The National Security Act of 2023 is being heavily utilized to address these threats, including those originating from China.

Beyond traditional state-sponsored threats, McCallum highlighted the emerging danger of artificial intelligence being exploited by terrorists. MI5 has already identified instances of terrorists attempting to use AI to enhance reconnaissance and attack methodologies, including integrating the technology with drones. The most concerning potential application, he warned, is the development of bioweapons by extremist groups, a threat that is not yet realized but could significantly escalate risks. MI5, along with GCHQ and MI6, is collaborating with the UK’s AI Security Institute to mitigate these dangers. The UK’s terrorism threat level remains at severe, having been raised to that level for the first time in five years.

Sources diverge in their emphasis. Sky News led with the AI threat, framing it as “supercharging” security risks, while the BBC focused on the scale of state-sponsored threats and the comparison to the Cold War. Both outlets reported on all threats, but Sky News prioritized the technological aspect.

Where they differ

• Sky News led with the AI threat, framing it as ‘supercharging’ security risks.
• The BBC focused on the scale of state-sponsored threats and the comparison to the Cold War.

What is not yet known

• The precise nature of the Iranian activities leading to the 50 arrests remains unspecified.
• The extent to which AI-enabled bioweapon development is advanced is not detailed.

Background

• Russia has been engaged in hybrid warfare, shifting from direct covert action to utilizing proxies after the expulsion of nearly 1,000 alleged spies from the UK [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-12].
• Iran has been expanding hybrid campaigns within the UK, resulting in 50 arrests targeting Jewish communities and military sites in the last year [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-12].
• NATO is prepared for potential Russian attacks, including covert operations, and has observed a rise in such activity targeting European nations [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-12].
• The National Security Act of 2023 is being utilized to address threats originating from China and other sources [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-12].

Our reading

Our reading is that the UK faces a significantly escalated threat landscape, with both state-sponsored and non-state actors increasingly active. The comparison to the Cold War suggests a return to a sustained period of geopolitical competition, while the emphasis on AI introduces a novel and potentially destabilizing dimension to these threats. The divergence in media coverage highlights the competing priorities of framing the story around either established geopolitical risks or emerging technological ones.

What to watch

• The outcome of the investigations into the precise nature of the Iranian activities that led to the 50 arrests [Sky News/BBC].
• Any further statements from MI5 regarding the advancement of AI-enabled bioweapon development by extremist groups [MI5 official statements].
• Changes to the UK’s terrorism threat level, or any adjustments to security measures at sensitive sites like RAF Fairford [UK Government/Home Office].

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