UK's Royal Navy sea drones contain component that secretly sent data to China, report claims — government cuts camera connectivity and insists data wasn’t sensitive, only ‘heartbeat communications’

The Royal Navy's K3 Scout sea drones, utilized by the UK, reportedly contain components that covertly transmit data to China, according to recent reports. The Telegraph alleges that a camera component within the drones may send this data to China. However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) asserts that all internet connectivity has been removed from the cameras following the discovery of the breach.

The data transmitted is limited, the MoD claims, describing the transmissions as "heartbeat communications" to merely confirm the device is operational and functioning correctly.

The issue of Chinese technology infiltrating sensitive infrastructure has been a growing concern for Western nations. This issue gained prominence with investigations into telecom firms like Huawei and ZTE, which gained popularity due to their affordable and efficient equipment in the West. Recently, this scrutiny has extended to Chinese drone manufacturers, with the utility and value of drones becoming evident during the Russia-Ukraine war.

Allies are wary of drones with potential Chinese vulnerabilities, such as killswitches or other backdoors. However, even manufacturers in China's chief rival, Taiwan, have acknowledged that their drone-making operations still rely on Chinese components.

The K3 Scout drones were reportedly purchased by Kraken Technology Group, a significant British defense contractor. The company sourced the cameras from a third party that had assured them of their security. An unnamed Telegraph source described this lapse as a "major failure," indicating a significant breach of trust. There are concerns that these drones could have potentially monitored highly sensitive meetings of special military forces, even when turned off.

The MoD disclosed to The Telegraph that the problem with the Chinese cameras was identified during a routine cyber vulnerability assessment, suggesting the presence of robust security measures. They stated that there is no evidence to suggest MoD data or systems were accessed, compromised, or transmitted externally. Despite this, both The Telegraph and opposition party ministers expressed fury over the revelations.

The K3 Scout can carry a 600kg payload at sea for 30 days continuously, with a fleet of these drones, procured by the Royal Marines in March, ready to be deployed for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, U.S. Special Operations Command also employs K3 Scout drones, and these have been utilized by NATO allies in trials in the Baltic Sea.