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Chinese-Made Components on UK Naval Drone Cameras Sent Info to Beijing
Kyiv Post • • world
Key Points:
- Cameras with Chinese-made components on Royal Navy K3 Scout drone boats were found sending "heartbeat communications" to an internet address in China during a routine cybersecurity check.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated there is no evidence that sensitive information, military systems, or government data were accessed, compromised, or transmitted outside authorized channels.
- The cameras were supplied by a third-party contractor and included some Chinese components, but assurances were given that they met security standards, including those related to the US National Defense Authorization Act.
- Following the discovery, the MoD removed internet connectivity from the cameras and conducted a full audit with Kraken Technology Group, the British manufacturer of the K3 Scout vessels.
- The K3 Scout boats, part of Project Beehive, are autonomous vessels used by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines for surveillance and force protection, with concerns raised about potential recording of sensitive military activities and operations.
