China has unveiled its latest surveillance device — a drone the size of a fly, designed for military reconnaissance and covert operations. The tiny drone was developed by engineers at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in Hunan Province, central China, with the goal of enhancing soldiers' capabilities on the battlefield through high stealth and improved maneuverability.
The drone resembles a fly in both shape and size — it is less than 2 centimeters long and weighs under 0.3 grams. Its design includes an elongated body, three thin miniature legs, and two semi-transparent leaf-shaped wings, allowing it to fly like a real insect. This imitation enables the drone to infiltrate restricted areas such as buildings, underground tunnels, or military bases — without being detected.
The drone is equipped with ultra-small cameras and microphones for collecting images, sounds, or electronic signals, making it ideal for secret reconnaissance missions. Its small size allows it to be hidden in the palm of a hand or held between two fingers, making it nearly invisible and undetectable to the naked eye or conventional radar systems.
Developing such a miniature flying device poses significant technical challenges. One university student involved in the project noted that integrating electrical systems, sensors, control circuits, and materials into such a microscopic frame is a complex task. The main obstacle is power supply: they need to find a battery small and efficient enough to sustain the drone’s flight — without compromising essential functions.
Despite the challenges, the research team has made progress in micromechanics and AI integration. The drone is controlled via smartphone and can be operated using Bluetooth connectivity. It is equipped with a custom chip and battery, enabling it to perform actions such as hovering, spinning, and low-altitude diving.
The drone’s uses aren’t limited to military purposes. These miniature drones can locate survivors under rubble during emergencies, making them valuable assets for search and rescue operations. However, due to their small batteries, such tiny drones typically have a short flight time.