Lab Creates Mosquito-Sized Drone for Stealth Ops
Researchers at China’s National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) have developed a mosquito-sized drone for covert military missions, showcasing it on CCTV 7, the country’s military television channel. The miniature bionic drone, resembling a mosquito with leaflike wings and hair-thin legs, is designed for reconnaissance and special battlefield tasks.
The project highlights major engineering challenges, as all components—sensors, power systems, and control circuits—must fit into a tiny space. It draws on interdisciplinary expertise in micro-device engineering, materials science, and bionics. The development follows a global trend toward ultra-small drones, similar to Norway’s palm-sized Black Hornet used by militaries worldwide.