China’s military has unveiled a new spy drone that is so small it resembles a mosquito. The device, developed by the country’s National University of Defense Technology, was recently shown on a state-run military television channel.
Roughly the size of a human fingernail, the micro-drone features tiny wings and thin, wiry legs designed to mimic those of an insect. The developers claim it can be used for a variety of covert surveillance missions, particularly for spying inside buildings without being detected. One expert noted it could be very useful for gathering video feeds from inside enemy territory.
However, many technology and defense experts are skeptical about the drone’s practical use on a real battlefield. They point to several major challenges. First, a drone this small would have an extremely limited battery life, meaning it couldn’t stay in the air for very long.
Second, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it highly susceptible to weather conditions. Even a slight breeze could throw it off course, making outdoor use nearly impossible. Experts also noted that indoor air currents, such as from an air conditioner or an open window, could easily interfere with its flight.
Finally, its size limits the amount of advanced equipment it can carry. This would make it difficult for the drone to send a clear video or data signal back to its operator.
While the drone showcases China’s desire to push forward with new technology, experts say it’s unclear if the capability is real or just a concept. There is no information on when, or if, this mosquito drone could ever be deployed for actual military operations.
