MI5 chief warns AI could boost terrorist drone and bioweapon attacks in Britain

During his yearly speech, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum warned that artificial intelligence is "supercharging" the terrorist threat, enabling groups to employ AI-driven drones and potentially engineer new biological agents. He said MI5 has already intercepted individuals attempting to harness AI for reconnaissance and attack planning. Drawing parallels with the remote drone warfare seen in Ukraine, McCallum cautioned that similar tactics could be adopted against Britain.

He also flagged AI-facilitated bioweapon development as a serious risk, especially if low-tech actors gain advanced knowledge. The briefing highlighted ongoing state-sponsored threats, naming recent Iranian plots at RAF Fairford and continued Russian hostility, as well as a notable rise in extremist right-wing terrorism tied to anti-immigration grievances.