Commando Bugs
A security source in the Gaza Strip told the Palestinians website Al Majed that “the purpose of these tiny aircraft is to trace missing IDF soldiers and track Hamas militants.” The source further disclosed that these so called “electronic dragonflies” are also capable of opening fire against target and even blow themselves up over them.
According to this source, these tiny electronic airborne devices carry embedded images of missing soldiers for the purpose of search and identification. The source added these “electronic dragonflies” are in fact US-made espionage devices featuring GPS. They emit signals, which satellites then pick up. The tiny crafts, which are capable of penetrating buildings through tiny holes, “look like flies from afar, or even a small bird.” It is believed they are controlled remotely.
The source added that Hamas believes these “electronic dragonflies” are also designed to trace explosives and unveil their production sites. Irrespective of this report, i-HLS has already exposed in the past that Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is developing a tiny unmanned aircraft featuring insect-like wings, complete with the akin flap mechanism, rendering them capable of flying like butterflies or insects. IAI is not the sole developer to be inspired by nature at large or even insects in particular, but of importance is the designated use of real live insects for intelligence and reconnaissance.
The US is already working on real live insects carrying imbedded tiny electronic systems. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is said to be developing a project harnessing bugs for military missions.
Ultimately, DARPA intends to have live insects implanted with electronics and mechanics rendering them controllable remotely and directed from afar, for the purpose of espionage of explosive detection missions. A radio signal will activate the implant, guiding the insect to a specified venue or location.
For the actual purpose of locating explosives, the bug will be fitted with a microscopic sensor, whereas ’espionage bugs’ will feature tiny cameras or microphones. “Electronics and optics have reach such an ultra-advanced stage, that we can manufacture devices of practically any size,” says one expert.
US scientists intend to implant these microscopic devices inside bugs’ cocoons, during the pupal stage. Post metamorphosis, the bug develops normally to full size with the implant already imbedded. DARPA’s teams are focusing their efforts on butterflies, moths and dragonflies. There is still a dispute between experts whether these insects can be guided and directed to perform military missions, but experiments are ongoing.
There have been past experiments to install various sensors on certain birds. Experts say the American effort is interesting.” After all, DARPA is an official US government agency, and they must believe it’s possible to achieve development of a remote controlled insect,” one expert told i-HLS.
There is no doubt that in some places worldwide, there are current efforts to develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of making their way into buildings and capture video, images and sound. Intelligence gathering is always moving forwards thanks to cutting-edge miniaturization. The question remains though, where does this leave our privacy, where do uninvolved civilians fit in. The problem persists, and it will worsen. It seems progress does not come without a price.
