China has introduced a new mosquito-sized micro drone designed for battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance. Developed by the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), the drone was revealed in a state television broadcast. It features flapping wings and delicate landing legs, emphasizing its purpose for stealth missions.
The compact design includes two leaf-shaped wings that flap, along with three ultra-thin legs that allow the drone to land or perch on different surfaces. According to NUDT student Liang Hexiang, who demonstrated it during the broadcast, the micro drone is intended for surveillance, intelligence-gathering, and special operations.
This micro drone houses its power system, sensors, and control circuits within a tiny frame. Engineers had to miniaturize each component without compromising functionality, a challenge in the field of small-scale robotics.
China’s development adds to global interest in similar technologies. Other countries, including the U.S. and Norway, are also advancing their own micro drone programs. Norway’s Black Hornet series is already used by many Western militaries, with the latest model offering longer battery life and better communication capabilities. In 2025, the Black Hornet 4 earned a U.S. Department of Defense award for innovation.
While military use is a major focus, micro drone technology is also expanding into other areas. Research institutions like Harvard have explored similar designs for non-military purposes. Tiny drones could eventually support medical procedures, environmental monitoring, and emergency response efforts.
The mosquito-sized drone is just one part of a broader robotics initiative at NUDT, which also includes humanoid robots and other experimental systems with potential defense applications.
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