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What is China's mosquito drone? Capable of capturing images, audio & electronic signals
What is China's mosquito drone? Capable of capturing images, audio & electronic signals

Time of India

time7 days ago

  • Science
  • Time of India

What is China's mosquito drone? Capable of capturing images, audio & electronic signals

NEW DELHI: China showcased a miniature, insect-like drone designed for covert surveillance missions, drawing global attention and concern over its potential military and espionage uses. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Developed by the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), the drone is just 1.3 cm long and weighs less than 0.3 grams. It was unveiled on the Chinese military broadcaster CCTV-7 as part of an exhibit on next-generation robotic systems. In a demonstration aired over the weekend, NUDT student researcher Liang Hexiang held up the ultra-light robot and said, 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield.' The drone, resembling a real mosquito, is equipped with two leaf-shaped wings, a slender black body, and three fine wire-like legs. It can reportedly operate silently and without radar detection, carrying ultra-miniature cameras and microphones to capture images, sounds, and electronic signals. Its small size makes it ideal for indoor surveillance, even inside secure government or military facilities. Representative AI image According to The Defense Post, the device's compact build enables it to evade conventional detection systems and operate in confined spaces — a feature that has raised alarms among privacy advocates and military analysts. Experts warn that such drones could be exploited for espionage, cyber intrusions, or even biological warfare. 'This could mean greater access to restricted areas such as secure government facilities,' noted Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown University's Centre for Security and Emerging Technology. 'If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations.' Other experts are raising more dystopian concerns. Tracey Follows, a futurist and former Google advisor, told The Sun that such drones could be used for 'untraceable murders' or carry pathogens, referencing a Black Mirror episode in which robotic insects were weaponised for targeted killings. 'In time, one expects a drone to have the situational awareness to carry out an attack autonomously without a human in the loop,' she said. 'The big question is what's the payload on these drones, what are you actually attaching to the drone?' The mosquito-sized UAV is part of a broader NUDT programme exploring micro-robotics, with parallel developments including artillery-launched drones that can survive the extreme conditions of being fired from 155mm cannon shells. These innovations reflect China's ambition to lead in micro-UAV technology, a field seeing increasing global competition. Other countries have made strides in this area. Norway's Black Hornet, developed by Teledyne FLIR Defence, is already used by militaries worldwide. The latest version, the Black Hornet 4, won the 2025 Blue UAS Refresh award from the US Department of Defence for advancements in battery life, signal range, and wind resistance. Meanwhile, Harvard University's RoboBee project has demonstrated insect-sized drones that can transition from water to air and even perch on surfaces using static electricity. Beyond military applications, microdrones are being explored for civilian use in medicine, agriculture, and disaster response. In healthcare, they could enable precision drug delivery or internal imaging. In environmental monitoring, their small size allows access to hazardous zones during floods, fires, or chemical spills. Still, with their stealth capabilities and growing autonomy, these tiny machines are poised to become one of the most ethically and strategically complex technologies of the decade.

China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes
China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes

Scottish Sun

time24-06-2025

  • Science
  • Scottish Sun

China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHINA has unveiled a horrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for covert missions and spying. The spindly device looks scarily akin to the blood-sucking insect - making it a valuable tool for secret information gathering. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 China has unveiled a tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone 3 Experts warn it will be used for spying missions 3 In a video published by state media over the weekend, scientists are seen holding up the moquito-like robot which they say will perform a range of military and civilian activities. But experts warn the drone's miniature size will mean it can easily and covertly access private indoor areas and listen in on people's conversations. The eerie device has two yellow, leaf-like wings, a black thin body and three wiry legs. Experts have warned the size of the drone means it will be much quieter than traditional models. Read more on World PARTY BOAT Jeff Bezos' luxury superyacht heads to Venice for world's most lavish wedding This could mean greater access to restricted areas such as "secure government facilities". Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown's Centre for Security and Emerging Technology told The Telegraph: 'If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, "It would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas." 'These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations." In addition to posing a security threat, microdrones like these could also wound up being adopted for personal interests. Timothy Heath, a senior defence researcher in the US, cautioned these tiny devices could even be exploited by criminals trying to gain access to people's passwords. Moment Israel DOWNS Iranian drone over Syria This comes as it was revealed killer camouflage drones the size of insects could be used by Russia and China to commit untraceable murders. Tracey Follows, an ex-Google futurist, warned they could even carry deadly pathogens and be used to spy on the UK. And it is a prediction which is a chilling echo of the Black Mirror episode "Hated in the Nation". The near future sci-fi show envisioned of world where robot bees designed to pollinate flowers could be hijacked to commit murder. The Future of You author previously told The Sun: 'In time, one expects a drone to have the situational awareness to carry out an attack autonomously without a human in the loop. 'The big question is what's the payload on these drones, what are you actually attaching to the drone? 'Increasingly, over the last four or five years, I've been reading about viruses and how you can potentially attach a pathogen to these sorts of weapons. 'So not only can you identify somebody personally, you can then attack them with a virus, for example.' Terrifyingly, she warned it could open the door for rogue nations like Russia to assassinate targets on UK soil without leaving a trace.

China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes
China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes

The Irish Sun

time24-06-2025

  • Science
  • The Irish Sun

China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes

CHINA has unveiled a horrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for covert missions and spying. The spindly Advertisement 3 China has unveiled a tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone 3 Experts warn it will be used for spying missions 3 In a video published by state media over the weekend, scientists are seen holding up the moquito-like robot which they say will perform a range of military and civilian activities. But experts warn the drone's miniature size will mean it can easily and covertly access private indoor areas and listen in on people's conversations. The eerie device has two yellow, leaf-like wings, a black thin body and three wiry legs. Experts have warned the size of the drone means it will be much quieter than traditional models . Advertisement Read more on World This could mean greater access to restricted areas such as "secure government facilities". Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown's Centre for Security and Emerging Technology told "It would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas." 'These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations." Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Breaking Latest In addition to posing a security threat, microdrones like these could also wound up being adopted for personal interests. Timothy Heath, a senior defence researcher in the US, cautioned these tiny devices could even be exploited by criminals trying to gain access to people's passwords. Moment Israel DOWNS Iranian drone over Syria This comes as it Tracey Follows, an ex-Google futurist, warned they could even carry deadly pathogens and be used to spy on the UK. Advertisement And it is a prediction which is a chilling echo of the Black Mirror episode "Hated in the Nation". The near future sci-fi show envisioned of world where robot bees designed to pollinate flowers could be hijacked to commit murder. The Future of You author previously told The Sun: 'In time, one expects a drone to have the situational awareness to carry out an attack autonomously without a human in the loop. 'The big question is what's the payload on these drones, what are you actually attaching to the drone? Advertisement 'Increasingly, over the last four or five years, I've been reading about viruses and how you can potentially attach a pathogen to these sorts of weapons. 'So not only can you identify somebody personally, you can then attack them with a virus, for example.' Terrifyingly, she warned it could open the door for rogue nations like Russia to assassinate targets on UK soil without leaving a trace. Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms by James Moules, Foreign News Reporter A NEW Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets could take to the skies within days. This unmanned "drone mother ship" is expected to take off for its first mission as part of a terrifying drive to boost the Chinese air force's combat capabilities. Named Jiu Tian - meaning "nine heavens" - this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) would add to China's ability to "swarm" enemies. This tactic involves releasing vast swarms of drones that work together to overwhelm enemy air defence systems. A video widely circulated on X shows a visualisation of the aircraft's capabilities - demonstrating its ability to release vast swarms of deadly drones. China's state broadcaster CCTV confirmed its inaugural mission on Monday. The jet-powered drone will start by undergoing a series of tests before it is fully deployed by the Chinese air force. Boasting a carrying capacity of up to six tonnes of ammunition and small-sized drones, the UAV has a maximum range of 4,350 miles and altitude of 50,000 feet. Swarms of drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the aircraft's belly. Terrifyingly, it is reportedly able to fly above many medium-range defence systems currently deployed around the world.

China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes
China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes

The Sun

time24-06-2025

  • Science
  • The Sun

China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes

CHINA has unveiled a horrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for covert missions and spying. The spindly device looks scarily akin to the blood-sucking insect - making it a valuable tool for secret information gathering. 3 3 In a video published by state media over the weekend, scientists are seen holding up the moquito-like robot which they say will perform a range of military and civilian activities. But experts warn the drone's miniature size will mean it can easily and covertly access private indoor areas and listen in on people's conversations. The eerie device has two yellow, leaf-like wings, a black thin body and three wiry legs. Experts have warned the size of the drone means it will be much quieter than traditional models. This could mean greater access to restricted areas such as "secure government facilities". Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown's Centre for Security and Emerging Technology told The Telegraph: 'If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, "It would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas." 'These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations." In addition to posing a security threat, microdrones like these could also wound up being adopted for personal interests. Timothy Heath, a senior defence researcher in the US, cautioned these tiny devices could even be exploited by criminals trying to gain access to people's passwords. Moment Israel DOWNS Iranian drone over Syria This comes as it was revealed killer camouflage drones the size of insects could be used by Russia and China to commit untraceable murders. Tracey Follows, an ex-Google futurist, warned they could even carry deadly pathogens and be used to spy on the UK. And it is a prediction which is a chilling echo of the Black Mirror episode "Hated in the Nation". The near future sci-fi show envisioned of world where robot bees designed to pollinate flowers could be hijacked to commit murder. The Future of You author previously told The Sun: 'In time, one expects a drone to have the situational awareness to carry out an attack autonomously without a human in the loop. 'The big question is what's the payload on these drones, what are you actually attaching to the drone? 'Increasingly, over the last four or five years, I've been reading about viruses and how you can potentially attach a pathogen to these sorts of weapons. 'So not only can you identify somebody personally, you can then attack them with a virus, for example.' Terrifyingly, she warned it could open the door for rogue nations like Russia to assassinate targets on UK soil without leaving a trace. Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms by James Moules, Foreign News Reporter A NEW Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets could take to the skies within days. This unmanned "drone mother ship" is expected to take off for its first mission as part of a terrifying drive to boost the Chinese air force's combat capabilities. Named Jiu Tian - meaning "nine heavens" - this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) would add to China's ability to "swarm" enemies. This tactic involves releasing vast swarms of drones that work together to overwhelm enemy air defence systems. A video widely circulated on X shows a visualisation of the aircraft's capabilities - demonstrating its ability to release vast swarms of deadly drones. China's state broadcaster CCTV confirmed its inaugural mission on Monday. The jet-powered drone will start by undergoing a series of tests before it is fully deployed by the Chinese air force. Boasting a carrying capacity of up to six tonnes of ammunition and small-sized drones, the UAV has a maximum range of 4,350 miles and altitude of 50,000 feet. Swarms of drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the aircraft's belly. Terrifyingly, it is reportedly able to fly above many medium-range defence systems currently deployed around the world.

China unveils mosquito-sized drone
China unveils mosquito-sized drone

Telegraph

time24-06-2025

  • Science
  • Telegraph

China unveils mosquito-sized drone

At first glance, the tiny object – barely the size of a human fingernail – looks like a toy. Made to resemble a mosquito, it has two yellow, leaf-like wings, a black vertical body and three hair-thin legs. The apparatus in question, developed by scientists at a university in China's central Hunan province, is far from a plaything, however: it's a new drone with a wide range of military and civilian uses. In a video published by China's state-media over the weekend, one of the scientists is seen holding up a model of the 'mosquito-like type of robot', which he says is 'suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield'. Experts told The Telegraph that while the size of the drone might make it difficult to use on the battlefield, it has plenty of valuable and possibly dangerous uses for information gathering. 'If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas,' said Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology. 'These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations,' he added. Smaller drones are much quieter and less visible to the naked eye, which could allow them to bypass detection and enter secure and restricted locations without being noticed, such as 'intelligence or secure government facilities', said Timothy Heath, a senior defence researcher and China expert at the Rand Corporation in the United States. Many secure facilities have technology to block wireless transmissions, so even if the drone could fit through a crack in a window it may not be able to receive commands once inside. But the use of these microdrones could also extend beyond defence purposes if they were made available to the public. 'People could use the drones to spy on their neighbors or individuals of interest. Criminals could use the drones to infiltrate a business or a citizen's home and observe the entering of passwords,' said Mr Heath. However, the size of the drone currently limits the amount of technology it can carry. For example, they would use very small batteries, which would have to be charged regularly. They would also only be able to carry tiny sensors, meaning the operator would have to be located nearby. 'To spy over a long period of time, someone would need to be willing to constantly cycle out microdrones, recharge them, and redeploy them in addition to sifting through the collected data, all within range of the target person or business,' said Mr Heath. 'This is why the drone is less useful for battlefields but more useful for special mission operations or espionage missions,' he added. The mosquito-sized drones are not the first mini – or insect-inspired – drones on the market. For more than a decade, scientists at Harvard University have been developing a miniature drone, modelled after bees, called the RoboBee. Similar to the new Chinese drone, the RoboBee is barely the size of a penny, with two flat wings and four razor thin legs. Certain models are able to both swim underwater and fly. Its applications are similarly wide-reaching, including search and rescue operations, surveillance and environmental monitoring. Also on the market are the palm-sized Black Hornet drones, used by armies around the world, including in the UK and the US. Larger than the insect-sized drones and resembling a mini helicopter, Black Hornets are able to overcome some of the operational challenges posed by the microdrones while still remaining discrete. Ukraine's Special Operations Forces have used Black Hornets for reconnaissance in Kursk since Russia's invasion in 2022.

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