- Chiefs said that measures must be taken before hostilities have commenced
Britain is living in ‘truly dangerous times’ and must start preparing for war, intelligence officials have insisted.
In their most stark warning yet, they said time was running out to prepare for conflict against China, Russia or Iran.
The officials added it will be too late to make the necessary adaptations once hostilities have commenced – so measures must be taken today.
The intelligence defence staff told the Mail Russia poses the most acute threat to British interests – and is expected to do so until 2030. Their startling remarks came as China prepares for a possible invasion of Taiwan, Russia continues its war in Ukraine and Iranian-backed militants terrorise the Middle East.
They were speaking at the top secret headquarters of the UK’s Defence Intelligence (DI), which monitors threats to homeland security and to UK interests overseas.
Last night, Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said: ‘In an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world, Defence Intelligence has been growing’
The intelligence defence staff told the Mail Russia poses the most acute threat to British interests – and is expected to do so until 2030
An official said: ‘We do not want to give a panicked message. We want people to understand.
‘We are living in truly dangerous times. The likelihood of a large scale conflict at a point in the future is higher than it has been in the past.
‘The demands here are greater than at any time in our experience, more complex, more varied.
‘We’ve got to start that process, of preparing for conflict, today.
‘DI is providing the insight into what our adversaries are doing and the foresight to give us time to get set.’
In a briefing at the base, intelligence officials used weather systems as metaphors to grade security threats.
They described the conflicts in Israel-Gaza and the Red Sea as ‘storms’, Russia’s continuing onslaught in Ukraine as ‘a hurricane’ and threats posed by China as ‘climate change’.
Hundreds of analysts work at the base where security procedures are similar to those at MI5 and MI6 headquarters in London.
Using weather systems as metaphors, they described the conflicts in Israel-Gaza and the Red Sea as ‘storms’ (pictured: a merchant ship struck by a Houthi missile)
The officials added it will be too late to make the necessary adaptations once hostilities have commenced – so measures must be taken today (pictured: an Israeli strike on Gaza)
The Euro-Atlantic region is their primary focus for intelligence gathering, followed by the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
These regions are becoming increasing unstable due to competition between states, increased migration and health crises.
An official said: ‘Russia is top of the list because it is a nuclear power with an expansionist agenda. Threats are complex and interconnected.
‘There is greater instability therefore a greater chance of conflict. We run operations such as counter-intelligence to disrupt adversaries.
‘We do not seek the limelight as success depends on maintaining secrecy around our operations and capabilities.’
The DI is part of the Ministry of Defence’s tri-service ‘Strategic Command’.
Last night, Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said: ‘In an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world, Defence Intelligence has been growing.
An official said: ‘Russia is top of the list because it is a nuclear power with an expansionist agenda. Threats are complex and interconnected’ (pictured: Ukrainians fire a tank in Donetsk region)
Continuing the metaphors, threats posed by China were described as ‘climate change’
‘Experts are harnessing next-generation technologies and working closer than ever with our allies and industry.
‘We also deliver highly detailed intelligence products to quickly counter false narratives employed by hostile states like Russia.
‘In a world where we can no longer take truth for granted, the DI’s work is increasingly critical to keep our nation safe.’
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