Defence counter-intelligence unit fully operational in 2027

Britain’s Defence Counter Intelligence Unit is planned to reach full operating capability in 2027 after launching in December 2025 within Defence Intelligence. The organization currently uses existing resources and works with the wider United Kingdom intelligence community to protect the Ministry of Defence from hostile intelligence activity. Its creation responds to a 2025 Strategic Defence Review recommendation for a single counter-intelligence body inside Defence Intelligence. The phased buildup reflects continuing development against an evolving threat environment rather than a delay in establishing the unit, which is already operating in an initial form.