CHINA has unveiled a horrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for covert missions and spying.
The spindly device looks scarily akin to the blood-sucking insect – making it a valuable tool for secret information gathering.
A recent video released by state media showcases scientists presenting a mosquito-like robot, which is purported to be capable of performing an array of both military and civilian functions.
But experts warn the drone’s miniature size will mean it can easily and covertly access private indoor areas and listen in on people’s conversations.
The eerie device has two yellow, leaf-like wings, a black thin body and three wiry legs.
Experts have warned the size of the drone means it will be much quieter than traditional models.
This could mean greater access to restricted areas such as “secure government facilities”.
According to Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown’s Centre for Security and Emerging Technology, who spoke with The Telegraph: “Should China succeed in developing mosquito-sized drones,
“It would probably aim to utilize them for various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, particularly in areas where larger drones have difficulty reaching, like indoor environments.”
“These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations.”
In addition to posing a security threat, microdrones like these could also wound up being adopted for personal interests.
Timothy Heath, a senior defence researcher in the US, cautioned these tiny devices could even be exploited by criminals trying to gain access to people’s passwords.
This comes as it was revealed killer camouflage drones the size of insects could be used by Russia and China to commit untraceable murders.
Tracey Follows, an ex-Google futurist, warned they could even carry deadly pathogens and be used to spy on the UK.
And it is a prediction which is a chilling echo of the Black Mirror episode “Hated in the Nation”.
The near future sci-fi show envisioned of world where robot bees designed to pollinate flowers could be hijacked to commit murder.
The Future of You author previously told The Sun: “In time, one expects a drone to have the situational awareness to carry out an attack autonomously without a human in the loop.
“The big question is what’s the payload on these drones, what are you actually attaching to the drone?
“Increasingly, over the last four or five years, I’ve been reading about viruses and how you can potentially attach a pathogen to these sorts of weapons.
“So not only can you identify somebody personally, you can then attack them with a virus, for example.”
Terrifyingly, she warned it could open the door for rogue nations like Russia to assassinate targets on UK soil without leaving a trace.
Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms
by James Moules, Foreign News Reporter
A NEW Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets could take to the skies within days.
This unmanned “drone mother ship” is expected to take off for its first mission as part of a terrifying drive to boost the Chinese air force’s combat capabilities.
Named Jiu Tian – meaning “nine heavens” – this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) would add to China’s ability to “swarm” enemies.
This tactic involves releasing vast swarms of drones that work together to overwhelm enemy air defence systems.
A video widely circulated on X shows a visualisation of the aircraft’s capabilities – demonstrating its ability to release vast swarms of deadly drones.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV confirmed its inaugural mission on Monday.
The jet-powered drone will start by undergoing a series of tests before it is fully deployed by the Chinese air force.
Boasting a carrying capacity of up to six tonnes of ammunition and small-sized drones, the UAV has a maximum range of 4,350 miles and altitude of 50,000 feet.
Swarms of drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the aircraft’s belly.
Terrifyingly, it is reportedly able to fly above many medium-range defence systems currently deployed around the world.
