Drone the size of an INSECT which can fly through open windows and spy on terrorists
Tiny 'dragonfly' spy kit will weigh less than two pound coins and hit speeds of 45mph
A TINY "Micro-drone" modelled on a dragonfly is set to be one of Britain's newest weapons in the war against terror.
With flour flapping wings and four mechanical legs, the "Skeeter" spy kit will be used to gather vital intelligence on our enemies.
The dragonfly drone will weigh less than two pound coins, be less than five inches long, and hit speeds of up to 45mph.
The idea was developed by Oxford firm Animal Dynamics and will be equipped with a camera and a microphone to allow it to carry out surveillance.
The drone is part of an £800m investment by the British Army into next-generation military technology.
Defence secretary Michael Fallon is encouraging individuals and companies to pitch ideas to a panel of experts.
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The best ones will be fast-tracked with support from the fund over the next 10 years.
The dragonfly micro-drone has been confirmed and as project which will be developed for use by the British military.
Laser weapons used to destroy incoming missiles will also be funded in the drive.
The kit will also target drones and other aerial threats from the ground.
It will be able to wipe out aircraft by burning a hole in it and destroying its electronics, it could also blind crew in the cockpit and force them to land, and over aircraft sensors with lights so they no longer work.
A mobile robot to detect chemical weapons will also be created, as well as sensors that will use gravity to survey underground structures.
Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, said: "This new approach will help to keep Britain safe while supporting our economy, with our brightest brains keeping us ahead of our adversaries.
“Backed by a defence budget that will rise every year until the end of the decade, it will ensure that the UK maintains its military advantage in an increasingly dangerous world.”