China could use the information to accelerate the development of its own weapons

May 28, 2013 13:23 GMT  ·  By
US Defense Science Board says hackers stole over two dozen weapon system designs
   US Defense Science Board says hackers stole over two dozen weapon system designs

A report made by the US Defense Science Board for the Pentagon reveals that hackers have managed to gain access to the designs for over two dozen major weapon systems, all of which are said to be critical to national security. 

The senior advisory group hasn’t named China as being the culprit, but military and industry officials said the attacks were part of a Chinese espionage campaign.

According to The Washington Post, experts believe the information could allow China to accelerate the development of its own weapon systems.

Among the weapon systems identified in the report there are the Patriot missile system (PAC-3), a system used by the Army to shoot down ballistic missiles, and the Navy’s Aegis missile defense system.

The designs for weapon systems from fighter jets, helicopters and combat ships are also believed to have been compromised.

The report made by the Defense Science Board does not mention when the cyber intrusions occurred and it doesn’t say if the information has been stolen from contractors, subcontractors or the US government.