China Unveils Mosquito-Sized Drone for Battlefield Surveillance
- tech360.tv
- Jun 24, 2025
- 2 min read
China’s National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) has revealed a mosquito-sized drone designed for covert military operations, signalling a leap forward in micro-robotics for battlefield use.
The miniature drone, developed by NUDT researchers, is engineered for surveillance and reconnaissance in complex or sensitive environments. Its compact size and insect-like design allow it to operate undetected, making it suitable for espionage and tactical missions.
The device features two leaflike wings that flap like a real insect’s, and three hair-thin legs that may assist with perching or landing.
Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT, demonstrated the drone on Chinese state television, describing it as ideal for information gathering and special missions.
The drone integrates power systems, control electronics, and sensors into a tiny frame, a feat that presents significant engineering challenges.
Its development reflects a broader global trend in micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with countries like the United States and Norway also investing in similar technologies.
Norway’s Black Hornet, a palm-sized drone used by Western militaries, is one such example. The latest model, Black Hornet 4, offers improved durability, battery life, and communication range.
Developed by Teledyne FLIR Defence, the Black Hornet 4 won the 2025 US Department of Defence Blue UAS Refresh award for its advancements in microdrone capabilities.
Harvard University has also developed a similar micro-UAV called RoboBee, which uses flapping wings for flight and can transition from water to air.
In 2021, the US Air Force confirmed it was working on tiny drones, though no updates on deployment have been released.
Beyond military use, microdrones are being explored for applications in medicine, including surgery, drug delivery, diagnostics, and imaging.
They may also be used in environmental monitoring, such as pollution tracking, crop surveillance, and disaster response.
The unveiling of China’s mosquito-sized drone underscores the rapid advancement of next-generation surveillance tools and the growing global race in micro-robotics.
China’s NUDT has developed a mosquito-sized drone for covert military missions
The drone features flapping wings and hair-thin legs for stealth and mobility
Similar micro-UAVs are being developed in the US, Norway, and by Harvard
Source: YAHOO
