The National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in China has developed a new mosquito-sized drone designed for covert military operations. This tiny gadget has been publicly demonstrated on the Chinese CCTV 7 military channel, highlighting a new phase of micro-robotics that seeks to use stealth intelligence.
A student from NUDT, Liang Hexiang, demonstrated the device in the air, stating that it was well-suited to reconnaissance and special operations. The drone is designed in the shape of a mosquito, with two tiny, wing-like protrusions and hair-like legs designed to move undetected in complex environments. The drone is allegedly a component of a larger program of developing biologically inspired robots that can be used in advanced battlefield operations.
The new microdrone reflects China's increased investment in micro-scale robotics with potential military applications. Weighing less than a coin and mimicking insect anatomy, the drone uses leaf-shaped wings for flight and three fine limbs for potential landing and stabilization. It was developed by the NUDT, a research institution linked to the Central Military Commission.
Despite its size, the drone incorporates complex systems within a tiny frame. These include communication modules, power units, and sensors, each requiring breakthroughs in microelectromechanical engineering and material science. According to state media, NUDT’s broader exhibit featured not only insect-like drones but also humanoid robots and smartphone-controlled UAVs, indicating a diversified robotics program.
NUDT's activities correlate with China's national strategic interests in the development of warfare technologies. The mosquito drone is possible because it can conduct its mission in a built-up or urban environment. Its low-profile structure can gain access to restricted areas, collect top-secret data, or perform electronic surveillance without alerting adversaries.
While China’s reveal drew attention, other countries have already deployed similar technologies. Norway’s “Black Hornet” drone, developed by Teledyne FLIR Defence, has served in military operations worldwide. Unlike China’s biologically inspired model, the Black Hornet adopts a helicopter design and operates via a handheld console. It transmits real-time imagery, enabling ground troops to conduct surveillance while minimizing risk.
The newest model, Black Hornet 4, was presented the US Department of Defense combatant command Blue UAS Refresh award in 2025. It is also expected to be more durable, have a longer flight time, and have better data encryption, all of which are essential improvements for harsh combat scenarios. The U.S. Air Force and Harvard University are also involved in microdrone research. Harvard’s RoboBee, developed for environmental and research applications, shares the same insect-scale vision but is not currently intended for military use.
In 2021, the U.S. Air Force declared a drone program of its own, an insect-sized drone program. Nevertheless, no additional updates have been given, creating questions regarding the use or evolution of the technology.
Although military applications are occupying the headlines, micro-UAVs have potential in various civilian applications. At the frontier of healthcare, scientists are creating nanorobots that can selectively deliver drugs and internal diagnostics. Agriculture and environmental fields are considering their applications in monitoring field crop health, pollution detection, and disaster zones that are not accessible to larger machinery.
Nevertheless, analysts caution that increasing autonomy and shrinking size raise security and ethical concerns. The military analysts have observed that such drones may potentially be used to conduct undetected attacks or espionage. Incidents such as the autonomous drone strike in Libya in 2020 have already shown the risks of removing humans from critical decision loops.
Although China's mosquito-sized drone is still in the early stages of study, its creation poses a major milestone in the field of next-generation robotics. The race to create smaller, smarter drones worldwide implies that in the future, aerial surveillance, medical intervention, and combat operations might rely on devices invisible to the naked eye.