Now Reading: Chinese-linked cameras found in UK Navy drones
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Chinese-linked cameras found in UK Navy drones
Cameras on K3 Scout surveillance drones used by Britain's Royal Navy were sending 'heartbeat communications' to a Chinese IP address, The Telegraph reported. The cameras, supplied by a third party to British…
The Story in Brief
Cameras on K3 Scout surveillance drones used by Britain's Royal Navy were sending 'heartbeat communications' to a Chinese IP address, The Telegraph reported. The cameras, supplied by a third party to British defence contractor Kraken Technology Group, would not turn off even after the drones were shut down and were present near high-security meetings of special forces personnel.
The UK Ministry of Defence said a routine cyber check identified the issue but found no evidence that sensitive data or military systems were accessed or transmitted abroad. The £12 million fleet has been in use since March and was part of future plans to help ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Special Operations Command has also bought the same drone model.
The Indian Opinion
What is being spun as a fresh Chinese espionage 'scandal' in British media is really a cautionary tale about global supply chains. Kraken bought NDAA-compliant cameras from a third party, and no MoD data was leaked. The real test is whether Britain can now build or audit every component of its own kit. If not, the next 'heartbeat' to China may come from a far more critical system.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, ndtv.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
