UK Naval Drones: Chinese Camera Components Trigger Security Review, No Data Breach Found
A routine security check found Chinese-made components in Royal Navy K3 Scout drone cameras that transmitted heartbeat signals to a China-based address. The MoD and Kraken conducted an audit and said there is no evidence that sensitive data or military systems were accessed or transmitted outside approved channels; internet connectivity was removed and routine security checks continue. The cameras were supplied by a third-party contractor under Project Beehive, with NDAA-aligned assurances, and the K3 Scouts have been used for surveillance and protection roles, including NATO exercises, with no breach detected.