WATCH: The deadly, insect-sized drones of the future

The Air Force is reportedly developing winged drones that can sneak up on a suspected enemy as stealthily as a mosquito

Drone
(Image credit: Screen shot)

Since 9/11, the U.S. has grown increasingly reliant on drones to take out suspected terrorists in far-flung regions of the globe. The trend has only accelerated under President Obama, who has coupled a surge in drone attacks with a withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, a clear signal that the U.S. fight against terrorism will no longer entail a large military footprint on the ground. And as the troops recede, the drones are only going to get smaller, more accurate, and deadlier, according to John Horgan at National Geographic. Horgan says the Air Force has constructed a "micro-aviary" to test insect-like drones, and he was given an animated video that shows simulated drones in action. According to Horgan:

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Ryu Spaeth

Ryu Spaeth is deputy editor at TheWeek.com. Follow him on Twitter.