Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Christopher McFadden

China’s National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) has developed a mosquito-sized drone designed for covert military operations. Details are a little thin on the ground, but its development is likely focusing on surveillance and reconnaissance missions in complex or sensitive environments.

The drone’s main unique selling point is its compact size, making it relatively easy to hide or conceal. It has two leaflike wings that are reportedly able to flap just like an insect’s wings.

“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,” Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT, told CCTV while holding up the drone between his fingers.

The drone also has three hair-thin “legs” that could be used for perching or landing. Dinky drones of this kind could likely be used in urban combat, search and rescue, or electronic surveillance.

Rise of the mosquito microdrone

It could also be a valuable tool for reconnaissance and covert special missions. To make it work, the drone features advanced integration of power systems, control electronics, and sensors, all in an incredibly tiny package.

These drones can operate undetected, making them valuable in covert warfare, espionage, or tactical reconnaissance. However, given their size, they are pretty challenging to design and build.

Engineering at that scale is challenging, particularly with components such as batteries, communications, and sensors that must be miniaturized without sacrificing functionality.

Its development may also signal a broader trend. For example, the U.S., Norway, and other countries are also investing in micro-UAVs for both military and non-military purposes.

Norway’s “Black Hornet” is a prime example. This palm-sized device is in service with many Western militaries and is used for close-range scouting. The latest version, “Black Hornet 4,” has improved durability and range.

Developed by Teledyne FLIR Defence, this drone won the 2025 US Department of Defence Blue UAS Refresh award, which recognises unmanned aerial systems. The model’s enhanced battery life, weather resilience, and communication range address common challenges faced by microdrone developers.

Applications beyond the army

Harvard has also previously unveiled its RoboBee micro-UAV. Similarly powered using flapping “wings,” this drone can fly, land, and even transition from water to air.

In 2021, the US Air Force confirmed that it was developing tiny drones. However, there have been no updates regarding any completed technology or deployment.

Beyond military applications, micro-UAVs like these could have essential roles in other industries. In the medical sciences, for example, similar technologies are being researched for use in surgery, drug delivery, diagnostics, and medical imaging.

It could also be used in applications such as environmental monitoring, where future microdrones could be utilized for pollution tracking, crop monitoring, or disaster response.

Looking at the bigger picture, “microdrones” like these mark a significant step in military micro-robotics, demonstrating that countries like China are advancing rapidly in next-generation surveillance tools.

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It also highlights a global race where small, intelligent, and stealthy robots could redefine how both soldiers and scientists interact with the world, whether on a battlefield or inside a human body.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christopher McFadden Christopher graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked exclusively within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Consultancy industries. He is a qualified and accredited Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor and Practitioner member of IEMA. Chris’s main interests range from Science and Engineering, Military and Ancient History to Politics and Philosophy.