Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), in partnership with US-based Kratos, has successfully completed ground testing of the Mighty Hornet IV attack UAV. The evaluation validated integration of Taiwan-developed payloads and mission systems without requiring structural modifications, establishing a technical baseline ahead of planned flight trials later this year. Derived from the MQM-178 Firejet target drone, the Mighty Hornet IV is modular and configurable for reconnaissance, decoy, strike, or target missions. With a top speed of Mach 0.8, an operational range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, and a service ceiling exceeding 35,000 feet, the system supports Taiwan’s objective of domestic mass production to enhance deterrence and operational readiness.
