The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced plans to consolidate all its intelligence services under a single organisation, the Military Intelligence Services (MIS), as part of a wider effort to counter escalating threats from hostile states and adversaries.

This reform will bring together intelligence units from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, UK Space Command, and Permanent Joint Headquarters, centralising operations to improve the gathering, analysis, and sharing of intelligence across the armed forces.

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Creation of the Military Intelligence Services

The new Military Intelligence Services (MIS) aims to streamline the UK’s intelligence capabilities, ensuring faster and more effective responses to threats. According to the MoD, hostile intelligence activity against the UK has risen more than 50% in the past year, underlining the urgency of reform.

The MIS will operate alongside a new Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit, which will consolidate counter-intelligence professionals to disrupt and deter foreign espionage and hostile operations more efficiently.

To support these initiatives, the MoD will also establish a Defence Intelligence Academy, offering specialised training in critical intelligence disciplines to prepare personnel for modern threats.

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Government Statements on the Reform

Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the overhaul positions the UK at the “leading edge of military innovation”, adding:

“This gives us sharper insights into what our adversaries might do next, so we protect our forces, safeguard critical infrastructure, and deter changing threats.”

Alistair Carns, Minister for Armed Forces, warned that Europe now faces “wars of necessity” rather than wars of choice, highlighting the growing geopolitical risks. Carns also urged NATO countries to increase defence spending and reduce dependence on the US, stressing the need to enhance military lethality.

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Context: Rising Hostile Intelligence Activity

The announcement follows the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry, which highlighted that foreign intelligence services are operating far beyond traditional espionage norms. In response, the UK imposed sanctions on Russia’s GRU intelligence agency, holding the Kremlin accountable for covert operations targeting UK citizens.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the findings as “a grave reminder of the Kremlin’s disregard for innocent lives”.

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Defence Spending and NATO Readiness

The UK is committed to raising defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, marking the largest sustained increase since the end of the Cold War. The MoD has emphasised that enhanced spending is essential to support new intelligence structures and modernise the armed forces.

Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte warned in Berlin that Russia could attack a NATO member within the next five years, reinforcing the need for strong European military capabilities.

The Royal Navy has also reported tracking a Russian submarine through the English Channel, part of a broader pattern of Russian naval activity in UK waters. The government notes a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters over the past two years, though Moscow claims the UK is being provocative.

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Strategic Implications

The creation of the MIS reflects the UK government’s recognition that modern warfare involves intelligence, cyber operations, and hybrid threats. By unifying intelligence units under one command, the MoD aims to:

• Improve information-sharing and operational coordination across all military branches.
• Strengthen counter-intelligence capabilities to deter hostile actors.
• Equip UK armed forces with real-time intelligence to respond to global crises.

Defence analysts argue that these reforms are critical given rising geopolitical tensions in Europe and the continued threat from Russia, highlighting the urgency of modernising the UK’s military intelligence structure.