23 June 2025

China's National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) has produced a prototype of a microdrone for the country's military. The development was announced this past week over CCTV7 — China Central Television's military channel.

"Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot," said NUDT student Liang Hexiang during the CCTV 7 broadcast. "Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield."

Influencer Owen Gregorian was one of the reporters who broke the story on X.

Although the microdrone may evolve before it is manufactured and deployed by China, the initial report showed a prototype with two tiny wings and three "feet" that was controlled with a cellphone. The almost-invisible mini is a boon for covert surveillance and reconnaissance missions, but the microdrone's size obviously limits sensors, payloads, batteries, and flight time. That said, AI may play a role in boostering combat and spy campaigns.

How Microdrones Can Win the Spy Game...

Pakistan Report on Chinese "Mosquito Drones" (Non-English)