The Israeli Ministry of Defense has halted deliveries of Chinese BYD electric cars intended for army personnel due to serious concerns related to intelligence gathering. This was reported by Ynetnews, emphasizing the warnings of cybersecurity experts about the potential use of these vehicles as a tool for espionage.
Previously, more than 600 Chinese cars were purchased for the Israeli military, including the MG ZS EV and Chery Tiggo 8 models, which are actively used as official transport for officers. However, the new BYD Atto 3 electric cars, which were supposed to be handed over to lieutenant colonels of the Israel Defense Forces, were not put into service after their electronics were checked.
In order to minimize the risks of information leakage, the e-Call system (automatic communication with emergency services) was forcibly deactivated in the received cars. However, according to experts, this is not enough. These cars, according to one of the founders of the Israeli cyber department, Harel Menashri, should be considered as mobile intelligence platforms.
Chinese cars, equipped with advanced electronics, are capable of collecting a wide range of data, including audio, video, geolocation and biometric data. This capacity raises serious concerns for national security, especially when it comes to their use by military personnel. The situation highlights the growing cybersecurity challenges in the era of connected cars and the potential for them to be used for unintended purposes.
Israel’s decision to halt deliveries of these vehicles is a clear sign of heightened sensitivity to potential espionage risks stemming from foreign technology. It also raises broader questions about trust in technology supply chains and the need for rigorous checks, especially when it comes to sensitive sectors such as defense.