The British Army has sparked significant security concerns by deploying Chinese-manufactured 3D printers to produce weapons, including 'suicide drones' for attack missions, according to recent reports.
During a military exercise in Kenya earlier this year, British troops utilised portable printers made by Shenzhen-based company Bambu Labs to manufacture combat drones. The technology enables soldiers to create what army officers describe as a 'virtually endless supply' of weapons directly in the field.
Military Enthusiasm for Rapid Weapon Production
Major Stephen Watts, Officer Commanding F Company, 3rd Battalion, The Rifles Regiment, expressed strong support for the technology in the Army's official magazine, Soldier. He confirmed the weapons had 'proved their worth' during testing and outlined ambitious plans for their deployment.
'I would like to have tens, if not hundreds, of self-built FPVs flying, which will make the formation extremely lethal,' Major Watts stated. He emphasised the strategic advantage of training entire platoons to use these weapons, noting it would 'increase the Army's fighting power many times over.'
The self-made drones demonstrated impressive capabilities during the exercise, flying at speeds of 190mph for three-and-a-half minutes and covering distances up to 15 miles. Major Watts described them as 'very hard to intercept' and noted they were used sparingly but proved highly potent.
Security Experts Raise Alarm Over Chinese Technology
Defence and security specialists have voiced serious concerns about the Army's reliance on Chinese-manufactured equipment. The primary worry stems from China's National Intelligence Law, which can compel companies to share data with the Chinese government.
Defence expert Robert Clark told The Telegraph that the decision to use Chinese technology for the Army's 3D printing needs was both 'outrageous' and 'shameful.' He accused the Ministry of Defence of failing to learn from previous security lessons.
'We may as well be handing them the keys to the back door of our security systems,' Clark warned, suggesting the move could compromise national security.
Clark further alleged that ministers were prioritising cost savings over security concerns, pointing to the Ministry of Defence's significant financial challenges. The department faces a £2.5 million budget shortfall for the next financial year, potentially driving decisions toward cheaper options despite security risks.
Broader Political Context and China Relations
The controversy emerges amid ongoing criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's approach to China relations. The Labour government has made improving ties with Beijing a key priority as it seeks foreign investment to fulfil election promises about infrastructure upgrades and economic growth.
However, the government faces accusations of overlooking national security threats in pursuit of better relations. Recent events have heightened these concerns, including the abandonment of a trial involving two British men charged with spying for China in parliament.
Prosecutors had to drop the case after the government refused to officially designate Beijing as a threat to national security. Political opponents claim this represents the sixth occasion where improving relations with China has taken precedence over security or human rights considerations.
Additional concerns have been raised about the government's refusal to publish an awaited audit of relations with Beijing and the omission of China from a list of countries subject to stricter rules under foreign influence registration schemes.
Despite the government's diplomatic efforts, trade statistics reveal challenges in the economic relationship. China remains Britain's fifth-largest trading partner, accounting for 5.5 percent of total trade. However, British exports to China fell by 12 percent in the year to end March, representing the second sharpest decline among Britain's top 20 trading partners since Labour took power in July last year.
China currently accounts for just 0.2 percent of total inward foreign investment into Britain, indicating limited success in the government's investment attraction strategy despite the security compromises being made.
