UK Defence’s most senior intelligence officer today gave an update on the changing character of warfare and what this means for the threats that the UK will face in the coming years.
But what is Defence Intelligence and how do they keep the country safe?
Founded in the mid-1960s, Defence Intelligence are a central part of the UK’s intelligence architecture, working alongside the likes of MI5, MI6 and @GCHQ
@GCHQ They also work closely with our allies, running the world’s only TOP SECRET collaboration centre.
@GCHQ Staffed by some of UK Defence’s brightest minds, DI performs a variety of tasks, from tracking human rights violations to monitoring global instability.
In doing this, they shape our approach to emerging threats, all while keeping our troops safe on the ground.
@GCHQ Nimble and agile, they can adapt to face any threat. Possessing the UK’s only medical intelligence capability, they threw their weight behind the Coronavirus response, working to understand the virus’ threat and how we could prepare for any potential second wave.
@GCHQ Read more about the Chief of Defence Intelligence’s threat briefing here: ow.ly/b6Sr30r9B3W
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Between the 18-19 November 2023 Russia launched around 50 Iranian-designed Shahed one way-attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, primarily towards Kyiv. These were launched in waves on two axes – from the Kursk to the east, and from Krasnodar to the south-east. (1/4)
One of Russia’s objectives was likely to degrade Ukraine’s air defences, to shape the battlespace ahead of any concerted winter campaign of strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. (2/4)
(1/5) As of late October 2023, large elements of the Wagner Group private military company had likely been assimilated into the command structure of Russia’s National Guard (Rosgvardiya) and resumed active recruitment.
(2/5) This Wagner arm under Rosgvardiya is likely led by Pavel Prigozhin, son of the late Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin.
(1/5) Over the past three weeks, Russia has likely lost around 200 armoured vehicles during its assaults on the Donbas town of Avdiivka.
(2/5) This is likely due to a combination of relative effectiveness of Ukraine’s modern hand-held anti-armour weapons, mines, uncrewed aerial vehicle-dropped munitions, and precision artillery systems.
(1/5) Recent Russian assaults in Avdiivka have contributed to a 90% increase in Russian casualties recorded by the Ukrainian MoD.
(2/5) Since February 2022, Russia has significantly increased its force footprint on the ground in Ukraine by intensifying recruitment using financial incentives and the partial mobilisation conducted in Autumn 2022.
The UK is committed to our relationship with the Philippines and we’re increasing our maritime engagement with the nation to support peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. Defence Minister Baroness Goldie visited the country this week (1/4)
HMS SPEY, part of our permanent presence in the region, has been taking part in Exercise SAMA SAMA, and the Minister visited the ship and met the crew onboard to find out about their experiences and cooperation with regional partners. (2/4)
Discussing Filipino priorities and shared security concerns, the Minister met with Philippine Navy and Coastguard. The Minister also met Secretary of National Defence Gilbert Teodoro, Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Arthuro Cordura and Rear Admiral Caesar Valencia. (3/4)