China launches 'spy bird' drone to boost government surveillance

Robotic bird surveillance drones have 'potential for large-scale use', according to the developers

'Spy birds' have already taken to the skies in at least five provinces of China (REUTERS)

Flocks of robotic birds are taking to the skies of China equipped with high-tech surveillance technology, according to a report.

The so-called "spy bird" programme, first reported by the South China Morning Post, is already in operation in at least five provinces and provides another tendril in the country's already advanced surveillance network.

The dove-like drones are being developed by researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University in the Shaanxi province, who have previously worked on stealth fighter jets used by China's airforce.

One of the researchers involved said the roll out of the technology was still in its early stages.

"The scale is still small," said Yang Wenqing, an associate professor at the university's School of Aeronautics who worked on the programme.

"We believe the technology has good potential for large-scale use in the future... it has some unique advantages to meet the demand for drones in the military and civilian sectors."

Each robotic bird is equipped with GPS technology, a high-definition camera and a flight control system that links up with satellites to allow remote control. The drones also make use of a small electric motor to power flapping wings, which livestock on the ground reportedly cannot distinguish from a real bird.

The avian surveillance programme is code-named 'Dove' and is being led by Northwestern Polytechnical University in the Shaanxi province of China (Northwestern Polytechnical University)

China recently tested a fleet of drone ships, capable of forming a "shark swarm" against enemy vessels.

Drills involving 56 unmanned ships took place in the South China Sea earlier this month in order to demonstrate their ability to work in formation during naval warfare.

"Once equipped with weapons, unmanned small combat vessels can attack the enemy in large numbers, similar to drones," Li Jie, a Chinese naval expert, said at the time.

"A mothership will control the swarm in combat, making them easy to deploy."