China has introduced a remarkable new drone that moves like a jellyfish — able to fly in the air and swim underwater. Called the “Ghost Jellyfish,” the drone is part of China’s growing effort to develop machines that work across both air and sea.

A Drone That Flies and Swims

Developed by Chinese researchers, the Ghost Jellyfish is built to work smoothly in both air and water. This gives it great flexibility for surveillance or information-gathering missions. The drone features a unique structure resembling the bell shape of a jellyfish, allowing it to glide through water with minimal resistance and ascend into the air almost effortlessly.

It can dive, hover underwater, and then shoot back into the sky — thanks to special engines that switch between flying and swimming modes. According to reports from Chinese state media, the Ghost Jellyfish can maintain stability underwater while capturing high-resolution imagery, before surfacing and transmitting data in real-time.

Military and Strategic Applications

While China’s researchers have described the Ghost Jellyfish as an “experimental biomimetic project,” analysts suggest the technology has potential military implications. Its ability to move undetected beneath the surface and operate as a drone above it could make it valuable for naval reconnaissance, anti-submarine surveillance, and coastal monitoring.

This innovation fits into Beijing’s broader defense modernization strategy, which emphasizes unmanned systems for information warfare and maritime dominance — particularly in sensitive regions like the South China Sea. A dual-domain drone could significantly enhance China’s ability to monitor disputed waters and detect submarines without relying solely on conventional aircraft or vessels.

Experts say drones like this could also help during search-and-rescue operations at sea, apart from their military uses.

Part of a Larger Trend

The Ghost Jellyfish joins a growing list of biomimetic drones inspired by marine and aerial creatures. In recent years, China has built many similar machines — from robotic manta rays to drones that look like flying fish — combining artificial intelligence (AI) with nature-inspired design.

Experts believe this signals a new phase in unmanned military innovation, where stealth, adaptability, and autonomy take precedence over size or firepower. These drones could play a major role in China’s intelligence and surveillance operations, offering greater flexibility in hard-to-access or hostile environments.

Symbol of China’s Tech Ambition

Beyond defense, China’s Ghost Jellyfish also reflects the country’s rapidly advancing robotics sector. With universities and private tech firms collaborating under government-backed programs, China is pushing to lead the global race in multi-environment autonomous systems. The project demonstrates not just engineering excellence but also the strategic intent to blur the lines between land, sea, and air operations.

The Ghost Jellyfish shows how far China has come in combining biology with modern technology. A drone that can both swim and fly marks a new chapter in innovation. Whether it’s used for marine research, rescue work, or defense, this invention shows how China is reshaping the future of unmanned machines.