In the age of technology, surveillance technologies have gone through a revolution, leveling up their game because it is getting more and more easy to detect foreign intervention. A recent example of this technological race is China’s deployment of biomimetic drones designed to mimic small birds.
The video, released by the Chinese military-affiliated media on the day the country annually commemorates the founding of its armed forces—the People’s Liberation Army, or PLA, showed a drone the date the country annually commemorates the founding of its armed forces—the People’s Liberation Army, or PLA, flapping its wings as it circled in the sky.
The Chinese army’s infantry academy hosted a shooting event in August, 2024 for the nation’s special operations forces from the military and armed police. During the event, participants showcased “special shooting techniques” and used a variety of firearms. Chinese Marine Corps’ Jiaolong Commandos also participated in this event. According to a 2019 report by Chinese state media, the unit, comparable to the elite United States Navy SEALs, is said to possess capabilities in the air, on land, at sea, and underwater.

In the event, the unit’s representative released a bird-like drone from his hand after resurfacing to water. The bird then took flight and circled the skies. Military experts have classified this drone as a miniature biomimetic ornithopter. Such aerial vehicles flap their wings like insects and birds, boosting themselves to the air. The unmanned aircraft has the potential to be inducted into military operations.
While on the one hand, these drones are small and hence easily concealed, on the other hand, they don’t perform well in endurance, payload, and range. China has been advancing ornithopter technology, with notable progress highlighted in March. Researchers from Northwestern Polytechnical University demonstrated the “Little Falcon,” an ornithopter that successfully took flight during a recent test.

The state-run Chinese newspaper, Global Times, reported that this type of aircraft is well-suited for reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strike missions during special operations. Additionally, it would make it more challenging for adversaries to detect it effectively on the battlefield.
The concept of bird-like drones dates back to the Cold War era when the United States and the Soviet Union explored the use of aerial intelligence weapons for espionage purposes.