A report has revealed that surveillance drones used by the United Kingdom Special Forces have been transmitting data to China. This discovery has heightened security concerns at a time when the UK aims to reduce tensions with Beijing.
Drone Data Transmission
The UK Ministry of Defence conducted an investigation which found that Kraken K3 Scout drones sent “heartbeat communications,” data verifying device functionality, to a Chinese IP address. The Telegraph reported the investigation results. These drones were supplied by Kraken Technology Group, a British company specializing in unmanned maritime systems. The cameras used in the drones were provided by a third-party supplier that assured Kraken of their security checks.
Security Concerns
Britain and its intelligence partners, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have warned about China’s attempts to collect intelligence through technology. The UK has already acted by excluding Chinese telecom giant Huawei from its 5G network development.
The drones are part of a planned British naval operation aimed at safeguarding commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a defense source cited by the Telegraph. There are concerns about potential exposure of Special Boat Service personnel, who possess security clearances. Kraken stated that only “a small number of components” came from outside the country.
“After a full audit by both Kraken and the Royal Navy, we are confident no sensitive information has ever been shared outside of intended channels. Any potential vulnerabilities have been identified and closed,” said the company.
The UK Ministry of Defence reported finding no evidence of sensitive data or systems being sent outside the country. Newsweek reached out to the UK Defence Ministry, Kraken, and the Chinese Embassy in London for comment.
K3 Scout Drones
The high-speed K3 Scout drone operates continuously for up to 30 days. It measures 28 feet in length and can transport up to 1,322 pounds of equipment, including radar, electro-optical sensors, and electronic warfare tools.
In March, the Royal Navy acquired 20 drones for £12.3 million (approx. $16.6 million) under Project Beehive. This initiative aims to deploy a combination of crewed warships and unmanned vessels. The K3 drones were included in a defense package to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The K3 participated in NATO trials in the Baltic Sea, including the Task Force X-Baltic program in 2025. These trials tested autonomous air, surface, and underwater systems. Additionally, the U.S. Special Operations Command granted Kraken a $49 million contract last year to develop prototype drones for underwater and surface operations.
Britain’s China Balancing Act
The report emerges as Britain navigates a complex relationship with China, balancing economic engagement with security concerns. Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Beijing in January, marking the first such trip by a British leader in eight years amid trade tensions with the U.S.
Despite this, the government remains vigilant about potential Chinese espionage and cyber threats. In March, the UK government blocked a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer’s plan to develop a factory in Scotland due to “national security risks.” The company is challenging the decision.
In response to the report, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, commented in the Global Times that the article had “Cold War overtones.” He accused Western governments and media of projecting historical practices onto the “China threat” narrative.
Last year, MI5 issued warnings about LinkedIn accounts with Chinese connections offering consulting work to government officials, suspecting espionage activity. This followed charges against two British citizens accused of spying on behalf of Chinese intelligence, though these charges were later dropped.
Leave a Reply