Security Concerns Over UK Drones Transmitting Data to China

A report reveals that surveillance drones used by the United Kingdom’s special forces transmitted data to China, renewing security concerns as London aims to mend strained relations with Beijing. An investigation by the U.K. Ministry of Defence found that Kraken K3 Scout drones sent online ‘heartbeat communications’ to a Chinese IP address, as reported by the Telegraph.

The drones were provided by Kraken Technology Group, a British defense contractor specializing in unmanned maritime systems. The cameras, sourced from a third-party supplier, were reportedly security-checked prior to deployment. This revelation follows warnings from Britain and its Five Eyes intelligence partners—comprising the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—regarding China’s intelligence-gathering efforts through technology.

Security Concerns

The drones are part of a planned British naval mission to protect commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a defense source cited by the Telegraph. Concerns have been raised about personnel from the Special Boat Service, who have security clearances, being potentially exposed. Kraken assured that only a ‘small number of components’ were from abroad and stated that audits by both Kraken and the Royal Navy confirmed no sensitive information reached unintended channels. They added that identified vulnerabilities were addressed.

The U.K. Ministry of Defence found no proof that sensitive data was transmitted outside the country. Newsweek contacted the U.K. Defence Ministry, Kraken, and the Chinese Embassy in London for comments.

K3 Scout Drones

The K3 Scout, a high-speed drone with a 28-foot length, can operate continuously for up to 30 days and carry up to 1,322 pounds of payloads, including radar and electronic warfare equipment. In March, the Royal Navy acquired 20 units for £12.3 million ($16.6 million) as part of Project Beehive, aiming to employ a mixed fleet of crewed and unmanned vessels.

The K3s were part of a defense package to aid navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz, a ‘defense source’ disclosed anonymously. The K3 drones have engaged in NATO trials in the Baltic Sea, including the Task Force X-Baltic program in 2025, which examined autonomous systems. Last year, the U.S. Special Operations Command granted Kraken a $49 million contract to develop drone prototypes.

Britain’s China Balancing Act

The report appears as Britain navigates complex relations with China, seeking economic engagement while managing security concerns. Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Beijing visit after eight years of trade tensions with Washington underlines this complexity. Despite efforts to engage economically, warnings persist regarding potential Chinese espionage and cyber activities.

In March, the government halted Ming Yang Smart Energy’s offshore wind turbine factory plan in Scotland, citing ‘national security risks.’ Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, labeled the Telegraph’s report as having ‘Cold War overtones.’ He argued that Western governments and media project historical practices as part of a ‘China threat’ narrative.

Late last year, MI5 cautioned lawmakers about Chinese-linked LinkedIn profiles offering consulting work to establish relationships. This followed high-profile accusations—later dropped—against two Britons alleged to have provided insider policy information to a Chinese intelligence agent.