China Develops Mosquito-Sized Spy Drone
An innovative prototype of an ultra-miniature surveillance drone, about the size of a mosquito, has been shown by China. Developed by the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), the tiny device was showcased in a CCTV 7 military broadcast on June 20, 2025. NUDT researcher Liang Hexiang described the “mosquito-like robot” as highly suitable for information gathering and special operations on the battlefield.
Due to its small size (around 2 cm) and low weight (0.3 grams), the drone can infiltrate targets undetected because it is nearly invisible to the human eye.
Drone Specifications and Capabilities
The mosquito-sized drone features a design inspired by insects, with the following key components:
- Ultra-light body (~2 cm, ~0.3 grams): Makes radar and visual signatures almost imperceptible.
- Two small wings shaped like leaves: Each wing can beat up to ~500 times per second, providing stable flight.
- Three thin hair-like legs: Serve as landing gear and stabilizers when the drone rests.
- Advanced reconnaissance sensors: Reports indicate the drone is equipped with a micro camera and microphone capable of capturing images, sounds, and possibly electronic signals.
- Prototype with four wings and smartphone control: Besides the two-wing model, NUDT also displayed a four-wing prototype controllable via a smartphone app.
The drone’s test flights were broadcast by CCTV 7, showing Liang Hexiang holding the minuscule robot and explaining its intended functions. Because of its small size, it is almost impossible for traditional radar to detect, which makes it perfect for clandestine reconnaissance.
Technical Challenges and Limitations
Despite its impressive concept, such extreme miniaturization presents significant engineering challenges. Integrating sensors, control circuits, and power sources into an insect-sized device requires cutting-edge advancements in micro-robotics, materials, and electronics.
Experts caution that although the prototype demonstrates feasibility, the technology is not yet mature for real combat deployment. A practical battlefield drone must withstand harsh weather, reliably transmit high-quality images or data, and offer extended flight time — requiring a far more robust power solution and stable long-range communication than current prototypes provide.
Because of these constraints, militaries worldwide continue to rely on slightly larger micro-drones with proven performance. For instance, the Norwegian-made Black Hornet, a palm-sized mini helicopter drone, has been operational for years with US, German, and allied forces. It can silently gather high-resolution videos or thermal imagery for up to 25 minutes per flight, making it a favorite for tactical reconnaissance. Its larger size enables a more reliable battery and control system than a mosquito-sized drone can accommodate today.
Global Micro-Drone Development Trends
Micro-drones inspired by insects are not unique to China. In 2013, Harvard University’s Microrobotics Lab introduced the RoboBee, a miniature flying robot resembling a bee or mosquito, for environmental monitoring and potential crop pollination applications. Meanwhile, the US military’s DARPA program has explored Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (HI-MEMS) since 2006, creating “cyborg insects” by attaching microelectronics to live insects such as cockroaches for intelligence-gathering purposes.
Other notable micro-drone projects include:
- Black Hornet (Norway): A 16-cm-long mini helicopter already in service with multiple NATO armies, equipped with cameras and thermal sensors for discreet reconnaissance.
- RoboBee (USA): A 3-cm prototype designed for research in ecology, pollination, and bio-inspired robotics.
- DARPA HI-MEMS (USA): A classified project exploring live insects enhanced with microchips for potential military and intelligence missions.
These global research efforts highlight the growing competition in micro-drone and insect-inspired robotics, as countries seek new capabilities for covert surveillance.
Military Potential and Security Concerns
The primary advantage of a mosquito-sized drone lies in its ability to secretly monitor indoor or enclosed environments beyond the reach of conventional drones. According to defense analyst Sam Bresnick, widespread deployment of such micro-drones could enable operators to track individuals or eavesdrop on conversations undetected. This raises ethical and legal questions about privacy and espionage.
Because these drones are too small for traditional radar to detect, experts argue that new counter-drone technologies — such as specialized acoustic or optical sensors — are necessary to identify and neutralize them. Additionally, regulations governing the production, export, and use of nano-scale UAVs will likely become critical to prevent misuse.
While the NUDT prototype demonstrates impressive potential, significant development and testing are still required before such micro-drones are ready for real-world deployment. Nevertheless, China’s advances in micro-robotics signal a growing capability in the realm of covert military technology, which will likely intensify international efforts to track, counter, or match these innovations.
Sources: Combined from a number of defense and technology-related media, such as CCTV 7 broadcasts, the South China Morning Post, Euronews, and evaluations of similar systems like the Black Hornet and RoboBee.
