UK Royal Navy drones secretly transmitted data to China, report says

British special forces' elite surveillance drones have been secretly transmitting data to China, according to a report by The Telegraph. The K3 Scout drones, used by the Royal Marines and US Special Operations Command, were found to have cameras with Chinese-made components that sent information to an IP address in China.

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components manufactured in China that transmitted information to a device located in that country

The Ministry of Defence, concerned about potential espionage by Beijing, has disabled internet connections on the cameras. An examination of the drones concluded that the cameras transmitted data confirming their geographical location and operational status. However, the ministry stated that there is no evidence that sensitive data or systems were transferred abroad.

The drones are manufactured by Kraken Technology Group, a British defense contractor that sourced the cameras from a third-party manufacturer. These K3 drones are designed for the British surface fleet, coastal forces, and the 47th Commando of the Royal Marines. They have a payload capacity of 600 kg and can operate for 30 days continuously. The drones have also participated in NATO trials in the Baltic states.

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has been forced to disable any internet connection from the cameras

According to a source cited by The Telegraph, the K3 drones were part of a defense program intended to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the Ministry of Defence's assurances, Conservative lawmakers are calling for an urgent audit of military equipment to identify any hidden Chinese components. These revelations come amid growing concerns about the threat posed by China.

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no evidence can be established that sensitive data or systems have been transferred abroad