The British Army has delayed the release of new military badges designed for King Charles’ coronation due to concerns over potential espionage. The badges, featuring King Charles’ preferred Tudor design, were set to replace the St. Edward’s crown worn during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. However, fears that China might insert eavesdropping devices into the insignia have prompted a postponement.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has contracted Leidos, an American company, to redesign badges, medals, and ribbons for a total of £3.9 million. Leidos, in turn, subcontracted Wyedean Weaving, a Yorkshire-based company, to manufacture the badges. While Wyedean has a history of producing uniforms and flags for the British Army, the badges are planned to be produced in factories located in both Britain and other countries, including China.
This has raised concerns within the MoD that Beijing could potentially use the badges to track and monitor British soldiers and officers. The Financial Times reports that the MoD is worried that Beijing might take advantage of the manufacturing process to insert tracking devices into the insignia.
The decision to delay the release of the badges highlights growing concerns about China’s potential espionage activities targeting the British government and military. Despite the MoD’s contracts allowing for manufacturing in China, the potential for security breaches has prompted the decision to postpone the rollout of the new badges until these concerns are addressed.
