British spy drones transmitted data to China via built-in cameras

Reconnaissance maritime drones K3 Scout belonging to British intelligence services were equipped with Chinese cameras that secretly transmitted data to an IP address in China.

This was reported by The Telegraph, citing sources.

Twelve unmanned vessels worth £12 million were delivered to the intelligence services in March by British company Kraken Technology Group. The drones were intended for operations in the Persian Gulf — in particular, to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The cameras built into the drones were manufactured by a subcontractor who had guaranteed their security.

The leak was discovered during a routine cybersecurity vulnerability assessment. It emerged that the cameras were transmitting so-called heartbeat signals to a Chinese IP address — data confirming their online activity and normal operation. After the transmissions were discovered, all internet connections from the cameras were severed.

“A thorough investigation found no evidence that Ministry of Defence data or systems were accessed, compromised, or transmitted outside the department,” a spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defence assured journalists.

Nevertheless, according to the newspaper, concerns have grown in London that Beijing is attempting to spy on British armed forces.

Earlier, media reported that the European Union had allowed Kyiv to spend part of the funds from a EUR 60 billion loan allocated for defence procurement on Chinese drone components. Ukraine also makes active use of Chinese parts for its drones.