China has introduced a groundbreaking mosquito-sized drone designed for battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance, marking a major step forward in its military micro-robotics program. Developed by researchers at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), this microdrone was recently showcased during a state-run CCTV 7 military broadcast. The tiny aircraft features a pair of flapping, leaf-shaped wings and ultra-fine landing legs, optimized for covert, close-range missions in hostile environments.
Despite its miniature size, the drone is equipped with advanced capabilities. NUDT student Liang Hexiang demonstrated the drone, noting that it can fly with precision, land on a wide range of surfaces, and conduct reconnaissance operations without being easily detected. The system combines power, control, and sensor technologies within a tiny frame, presenting a significant achievement in engineering miniaturization.
With just two flapping wings and three hair-thin legs, the drone is engineered to be agile, lightweight, and discreet. It’s designed for battlefield conditions where traditional UAVs might be too large or easily spotted. NUDT officials emphasized the drone’s potential in surveillance and special missions, especially in urban or jungle warfare scenarios where concealment is critical.
China’s latest development is part of a global race to miniaturize UAVs for both military and civilian use. Other countries, including the United States and Norway, have also made significant strides in microdrone technology. Norway’s Black Hornet series, especially the Black Hornet 4 produced by Teledyne FLIR Defence, has been widely adopted by NATO forces. This palm-sized drone offers advanced battery life, durable construction for extreme weather, and enhanced communication capabilities. In 2025, it earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense through the Blue UAS Refresh initiative.
The United States, meanwhile, has been working on its own microdrone programs. In 2021, the U.S. Air Force confirmed development of ultra-small UAVs, though detailed information on operational platforms remains limited due to security concerns.
Beyond military uses, microdrones have broad civilian potential. Harvard University’s RoboBee project, for instance, has produced flying microbots capable of navigating challenging terrain, landing with precision, and even transitioning between air and water. These micro-robotics breakthroughs could transform areas like medicine—offering new tools for minimally invasive surgery, drug delivery, and real-time diagnostics. Environmental monitoring is another key application. Miniature drones may soon be used to track pollution, monitor crops, assess disaster zones, and explore areas inaccessible to humans.
The mosquito-sized UAV from NUDT is just one of many robotics projects the university is developing. The same CCTV broadcast also revealed progress on humanoid robots and other prototypes that could serve future military operations.
As global powers continue to push the boundaries of drone miniaturization, China’s unveiling of its microdrone underscores the strategic importance of robotic innovation—not just on the battlefield, but across multiple sectors of society.
Contributors: Bast Bramhall (Video Editor), Alex Delia (Deputy Managing Editor), and Drew Pittock (Digital Producer).