MI5 warning on AI death and disease threats

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum warned that AI technology poses escalating security risks, including AI-enabled drone attacks and the potential development of AI-engineered biological weapons by hostile states such as Russia, China, and Iran. He highlighted the UK's current unpreparedness to handle these advanced threats, urging increased investment in defence and technological safeguards to prevent future attacks.

MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum has issued a stark warning about the emerging security threats posed by artificial intelligence during his recent annual speech. Highlighting concerns over hostile activities from states such as Russia, China, and Iran, McCallum emphasized the growing risks linked to AI technology, particularly its potential use in terrorist attacks and biological warfare.

McCallum revealed that MI5 is currently monitoring plots involving AI-enabled drones that could be used to launch attacks on targets within the United Kingdom remotely. He stressed, however, that the most significant threat stems from the possibility of AI being harnessed to engineer deadly pathogens, raising the specter of biological weapons developed with unprecedented precision.

While such scenarios may evoke images of science fiction, McCallum's assessment underscores an increasing likelihood that AI-driven biological threats could materialize in the near future. He cautioned that the UK’s preparedness for such an incident remains limited, pointing to insufficient investments in both traditional defence capabilities and emerging technology safeguards.

The Director-General’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the allocation of resources and priorities within the UK’s security apparatus. Critics argue that current government funding falls short of addressing the full spectrum of modern threats, including those posed by rapid advancements in AI. They suggest that without a more robust commitment to defence spending and technological countermeasures, the country may be exposed to vulnerabilities not only from conventional military actions but also from innovative, less predictable methods of attack.

McCallum’s commentary reflects the evolving nature of national security challenges, where technological innovation presents both opportunities and risks. His warning encourages policymakers to weigh the implications of AI-enabled threats carefully and to consider enhanced strategies to safeguard public safety in an increasingly complex global environment.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.