The Pentagon plans to create an army of cyberinsects.

The Pentagon is planning an innovative project to create an army of cyberinsects that could be remotely controlled to search areas and detect explosives. Scientists at the Defense Research Agency (Darpa) intend to leverage the evolution of insects such as dragonflies and moths by integrating specialized microsystems into their bodies during the pupal stage. Although the idea is controversial and resembles previous failed attempts at remotely controlling insects, Darpa believes that new technologies will enable the creation of hybrid insects capable of transmitting data and locating targets.

Pentagon scientists are planning to create an army of cyberinsects that could be controlled over long distances, scour areas for explosives, and send messages. The concept involves implanting a microsystem within the insect's body, while it's still in the pupal stage, that would integrate with the insect's body, enabling subsequent control.

Experts told the BBC that such ideas are entirely feasible, but completely "ludicrous." A similar idea backfired when remote-controlled wasps attempted to eat or reproduce. The new plan advances a research project by the Defense Advanced Research Agency (Darpa), which aims to maintain the technological superiority of the US military.

It relies on "novel" designs using insects. Darpa claims that scientists can somehow exploit the evolution of insects like dragonflies and moths, even at the pupal stage. During each metamorphosis, the insect's body undergoes a renewal process that can heal wounds and rearrange internal organs around foreign bodies , according to the Darpa document.

The term "foreign bodies" refers to the special microsystems mentioned earlier - called "Mems" - which may allow for remote control of a fully developed insect and the detection of certain chemical substances, including those contained in explosives.

The invasive surgery could "enable the mass production of hybrid insects." The winning design would have to deliver an insect that would deafen a target located 100 meters away. The "cyborg insect" must also be able to transmit data from specific sensors and provide information about the surrounding environment. Sensors could include gas sensors, microphones, microcameras, and more.