Chinese-Made Components on UK Naval Drone Cameras Sent Info to Beijing

Reports say cameras on the Royal Navy’s K3 Scout uncrewed vessels—used by the Royal Marines—contained Chinese-linked components that transmitted “heartbeat” signals to a system in China. The UK Ministry of Defence says the transmissions only confirmed the cameras were online and functioning, with no evidence sensitive MoD data was accessed, compromised, or sent externally. After discovery during a routine cyber vulnerability assessment, the MoD removed internet connectivity from the cameras and investigated the source.