Latest news with #BryceBarros
The Print
03-07-2025
- Science
- The Print
It looks like a mosquito, flies like one. It's China's newest micro-drone prototype
The bionic microdrone was first displayed on China's state-run military broadcaster, CCTV-7 . 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like robot,' Liang Hexiang, a student at the NUDT, said on the broadcast. 'Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield,' he added. Its wings flap at 500 times per second. Its size makes it almost undetectable by conventional radar systems. It has a stick-thin body, packed heavily with sensors and it is engineered in a way that it looks like a mosquito. New Delhi: It is 2 cm long and weighs 0.3 grams. It has two tiny wings and three spindly legs. No, it's not an insect, but China's new military drone that could change the game of covert warfare forever. Developed in a robotics laboratory at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) in central China's Hunan province, the micro-drone can also potentially be used to revolutionise various industries and services. Media reports suggest the micro-drones could be deployed in swarms for warfare and espionage purposes. However, experts say, so far there is no evidence yet that the displayed prototype can be deployed for field operations. China is actively researching swarm technologies to get the micro-drones in action, but has encountered several challenges. One of the biggest challenges is their extremely limited power, sufficient only for indoor flights. The weight and height of the drone, though largely an advantage in stealth operations, do come with payload constraints. Fitting cameras, microphones and communication interceptors is a major engineering challenge. Outdoor use, at this nascent stage, is impractical as even a mild wind can destabilise the micro-drone. At present, the dream of a mosquito-size drone remains restricted to an experimental laboratory. Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: 'The impact of this mosquito-sized drone on wartime surveillance will likely be minimal due to its limited capacity, short range, and presumable short battery life.' Despite the limitations of the mosquito drone, there is speculation that, with modifications, it could see the light of day outside a laboratory. So the potential impact and scope of these nearly invisible surveillance tools is still an exciting prospect. From military reconnaissance to civilian misuse, the purpose of these microdrones lies in the hands of the user. It can infiltrate areas beyond the reach of conventional weapons, while the use of drones for civilian spying and industrial and political espionage cannot be denied. However, its ability to gather information without getting detected presents legal and ethical dilemmas. Timothy Heath, senior defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told The Telegraph: 'If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas.' Other countries too have already sensed the shift in modern warfare technologies and are increasingly exploring miniaturisation. Norway has developed a palm-sized helicopter-style micro-UAV, dubbed the 'Black Hornet', already in use by multiple armed forces, including the US military. The 'Black Hornet' comes with built-in cameras and sensors, controlled by a small handheld unit. In 2019, Harvard scientists published updated research papers of their 'RoboBee' model, which looks very similar to the Chinese microdrone. Some versions of the 'RoboBee' 'transition from swimming underwater to flying' or 'perch on surfaces using static electricity,' according to Harvard's Wyss Institute. It also claimed to build an autonomous UAV that could be used for surveillance to agricultural and environmental monitoring. The current prototype built by NUDT remains a lab demo as China steps into the domain of global micro aerial vehicles, providing a glimpse into a future where warfare and spycraft will not be measured in rockets or tanks but in millimetres. Dedipya Agarwal is an intern who graduated from ThePrint School of Journalism (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Army successfully tests indigenous FPV armed drone like those deployed in Ukraine war
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
China Military Unveils Mosquito-Sized Drones for ‘Special Missions'
A military university in China's Hunan province has unveiled a mosquito-sized drone designed to carry out surveillance while evading detection. "This type of micro-robot is especially suitable for special missions, such as information reconnaissance, on the battlefield," said Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology, told China Central Television in a June 14 report. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Technological advances have enabled sensors, batteries, and other components to be packed into ever smaller frames, enabling development of smaller, lighter, and increasingly sophisticated drones. Miniaturization opens up a host of possibilities, from a low-cost alternative to missiles to search and rescue operations. At the same time, it also raises concerns over personal privacy and criminal exploitation. What To Know The new device, developed at China's National University of Defence Technology, is just 2 centimeters long (under an inch), 3 cm wide (just over an inch), and weighs less than 0.2 grams. It appeared almost weightless between the researcher's fingers in the CCTV broadcast. While the design pushes the limits of miniaturization, similar micro-robotics research has been ongoing elsewhere. Another insectoid robot, Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory's RoboBee, achieves flight by beating its wings 120 times a second with artificial muscles. The goal is for swarms of these tiny robots to one day assist with tasks like rescue missions or artificial pollination. On the military side, slightly larger micro-drones like the Black Hornet-originally developed in Norway and produced by Teledyne FLIR Defense-have boosted situation awareness among dozens of armed forces. The newest Black Hornet 4 can transmit thermal images, cover distances up to 2 miles, and remain airborne for more than 30 minutes, according to the company. Despite their promise, analysts say ultra-tiny drones like the "mosquito" are limited in their potential on the battlefield. Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: "The impact of this mosquito-sized drone on wartime surveillance will likely be minimal due to its limited capacity, short range, and presumable short battery life," Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told The Telegraph: "If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas. Perhaps most consequential, Barros said, is how UAVs like the National University of Defence Technology's new model could be integrated into China's dual-use drone strategy, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence and asymmetric warfare, where such technologies can offer an edge against larger conventional forces. Related Articles Tesla Suffers Fresh Blow in EuropeBusiness Optimism Collapses Under TrumpNewsom California Initiative Accused of Links to Chinese Influence NetworkChina Responds to Trump's Cryptic Post About Iran Oil 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
China Military Unveils Mosquito-Sized Drones for 'Special Missions'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A military university in China's Hunan province has unveiled a mosquito-sized drone designed to carry out surveillance while evading detection. "This type of micro-robot is especially suitable for special missions, such as information reconnaissance, on the battlefield," said Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology, told China Central Television in a June 14 report. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Why It Matters Technological advances have enabled sensors, batteries, and other components to be packed into ever smaller frames, enabling development of smaller, lighter, and increasingly sophisticated drones. Miniaturization opens up a host of possibilities, from a low-cost alternative to missiles to search and rescue operations. At the same time, it also raises concerns over personal privacy and criminal exploitation. What To Know The new device, developed at China's National University of Defence Technology, is just 2 centimeters long (under an inch), 3 cm wide (just over an inch), and weighs less than 0.2 grams. It appeared almost weightless between the researcher's fingers in the CCTV broadcast. A student at National University of Defense Technology in Hunan province, China, hold a mosquito-sized drone in a report aired by China Central Television on June 14, 2025. A student at National University of Defense Technology in Hunan province, China, hold a mosquito-sized drone in a report aired by China Central Television on June 14, 2025. CCTV While the design pushes the limits of miniaturization, similar micro-robotics research has been ongoing elsewhere. Another insectoid robot, Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory's RoboBee, achieves flight by beating its wings 120 times a second with artificial muscles. The goal is for swarms of these tiny robots to one day assist with tasks like rescue missions or artificial pollination. On the military side, slightly larger micro-drones like the Black Hornet—originally developed in Norway and produced by Teledyne FLIR Defense—have boosted situation awareness among dozens of armed forces. The newest Black Hornet 4 can transmit thermal images, cover distances up to 2 miles, and remain airborne for more than 30 minutes, according to the company. Despite their promise, analysts say ultra-tiny drones like the "mosquito" are limited in their potential on the battlefield. What People Are Saying Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: "The impact of this mosquito-sized drone on wartime surveillance will likely be minimal due to its limited capacity, short range, and presumable short battery life," Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told The Telegraph: "If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas. What's Next Perhaps most consequential, Barros said, is how UAVs like the National University of Defence Technology's new model could be integrated into China's dual-use drone strategy, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence and asymmetric warfare, where such technologies can offer an edge against larger conventional forces.
Miami Herald
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Mapped: How China Staged Double Aircraft Carrier Show of Force in Pacific
Japan on Monday issued an update on China's operational aircraft carriers-the Liaoning and Shandong-deployed simultaneously to the Western Pacific. A Newsweek map based on the Japan Joint Staff report tracks the strike carrier groups' movements beyond the so-called First Island Chain, signaling Beijing's growing confidence in its blue-water naval capabilities. The First Island Chain-a string of archipelagos including U.S. treaty allies Japan and the Philippines as well as U.S.-aligned Taiwan-is considered crucial to Washington's hopes of containing Chinese forces in the event of a war. China continues to rapidly develop the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the world's largest by ship count. Security analyst Bryce Barros told Newsweek the joint deployment beyond the First Island Chain is a "milestone" that signals growing confidence in Beijing's power projection capabilities in a region long dominated by the U.S. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment outside of office hours. The Shandong and Liaoning were both operating beyond the First Island Chain back on June 7, according to Tokyo, which has been closely monitoring the deployments. As of Monday, the Shandong-commissioned in 2019-and its support ships had sailed west through the strategic Luzon Strait between Taiwan and the Philippines and were heading south toward the South China Sea, where the carrier is homeported on China's Hainan Island. The Liaoning, a refurbished former Soviet-era warship commissioned in 2012, sailed even farther, briefly venturing beyond what the U.S. considers its next Pacific line of defense-the Second Island Chain-on June 7 and June 8. On Friday, the Liaoning transited the Miyako Strait-a key chokepoint in Japan's Ryukyu Islands-before entering the East China Sea that same day, apparently en route to its home port of Qingdao. The Liaoning's aircraft conducted at least 440 takeoffs and landings between June 8 and Thursday, according to estimates by the Japan Joint Staff. The Shandong carried out at least 420 takeoffs and landings between June 9 and Monday. During the Liaoning's operations in the Western Pacific, the carrier dispatched J-15 fighter jets to intercept four "foreign" fighters that were tracked approaching the carrier, in what the command room believed could be a simulated strike on the Chinese formation, state broadcaster China Central Television reported Sunday. The J-15s, armed with live missiles, executed tactical maneuvers and drove away the foreign aircraft, according to the report. The Chinese carrier groups' movements in recent days have coincided with a shift in Western naval power in the region, as the supercarrier USS Nimitz left the South China Sea for the Middle East amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Meanwhile, the British carrier HMS Prince of Wales arrived in Singapore on Monday to begin its eight-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: "China's dual carrier deployment beyond the First Island Chain marks a symbolic and operational milestone, signaling growing confidence in projecting power toward the Second Island Chain. "Still, [American aircraft carrier] USS George Washington, HMS Prince of Wales, and [amphibious assault ships] USS America and USS Tripoli remain in the region. The U.S. must reassure partners that it takes PLAN advances seriously-ensuring presence, posture, and partnership remain strong despite global distractions." China's objectives in deploying both aircraft carriers remain unclear. It is also uncertain whether U.S. and allied navies will respond in the Western Pacific amid Washington's deepening involvement in the Middle East conflict, sparked earlier this month by Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear targets. Related Articles Why Congress Must Pass the AI Regulation Moratorium on States | OpinionThe U.S. Patent Office Should Not Let Itself Be Used for Litigation Gamesmanship | OpinionRepublicans and Democrats Agreed on Iran's Nuclear Weapons ThreatFootage Shows China Firing Water Cannon at US Ally Near Disputed Territory 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Mapped: How China Staged Double Aircraft Carrier Show of Force in Pacific
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Japan on Monday issued an update on China's operational aircraft carriers—the Liaoning and Shandong—deployed simultaneously to the Western Pacific. A Newsweek map based on the Japan Joint Staff report tracks the strike carrier groups' movements beyond the so-called First Island Chain, signaling Beijing's growing confidence in its blue-water naval capabilities. Why It Matters The First Island Chain—a string of archipelagos including U.S. treaty allies Japan and the Philippines as well as U.S.-aligned Taiwan—is considered crucial to Washington's hopes of containing Chinese forces in the event of a war. China continues to rapidly develop the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the world's largest by ship count. Security analyst Bryce Barros told Newsweek the joint deployment beyond the First Island Chain is a "milestone" that signals growing confidence in Beijing's power projection capabilities in a region long dominated by the U.S. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment outside of office hours. Imagery captured by the ESA's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 22, 2025, shows the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong operating in the Philippine Sea in the Western Pacific Ocean. Imagery captured by the ESA's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 22, 2025, shows the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong operating in the Philippine Sea in the Western Pacific Ocean. Copernicus What To Know The Shandong and Liaoning were both operating beyond the First Island Chain back on June 7, according to Tokyo, which has been closely monitoring the deployments. As of Monday, the Shandong—commissioned in 2019—and its support ships had sailed west through the strategic Luzon Strait between Taiwan and the Philippines and were heading south toward the South China Sea, where the carrier is homeported on China's Hainan Island. The Liaoning, a refurbished former Soviet-era warship commissioned in 2012, sailed even farther, briefly venturing beyond what the U.S. considers its next Pacific line of defense—the Second Island Chain—on June 7 and June 8. On Friday, the Liaoning transited the Miyako Strait—a key chokepoint in Japan's Ryukyu Islands—before entering the East China Sea that same day, apparently en route to its home port of Qingdao. The Liaoning's aircraft conducted at least 440 takeoffs and landings between June 8 and Thursday, according to estimates by the Japan Joint Staff. The Shandong carried out at least 420 takeoffs and landings between June 9 and Monday. During the Liaoning's operations in the Western Pacific, the carrier dispatched J-15 fighter jets to intercept four "foreign" fighters that were tracked approaching the carrier, in what the command room believed could be a simulated strike on the Chinese formation, state broadcaster China Central Television reported Sunday. The J-15s, armed with live missiles, executed tactical maneuvers and drove away the foreign aircraft, according to the report. The Chinese carrier groups' movements in recent days have coincided with a shift in Western naval power in the region, as the supercarrier USS Nimitz left the South China Sea for the Middle East amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Meanwhile, the British carrier HMS Prince of Wales arrived in Singapore on Monday to begin its eight-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. What People Are Saying Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: "China's dual carrier deployment beyond the First Island Chain marks a symbolic and operational milestone, signaling growing confidence in projecting power toward the Second Island Chain. "Still, [American aircraft carrier] USS George Washington, HMS Prince of Wales, and [amphibious assault ships] USS America and USS Tripoli remain in the region. The U.S. must reassure partners that it takes PLAN advances seriously—ensuring presence, posture, and partnership remain strong despite global distractions." What's Next China's objectives in deploying both aircraft carriers remain unclear. It is also uncertain whether U.S. and allied navies will respond in the Western Pacific amid Washington's deepening involvement in the Middle East conflict, sparked earlier this month by Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear targets.
