TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology confirmed Monday it is co-developing a long-range attack drone with US defense contractor Kratos.
Kratos has previously worked with Shield AI to adapt its MQM-178 Firejet subsonic aerial target drone, integrating an AI system for autonomous formation flying and tactical maneuvering, per UDN. The new drone, dubbed the Chien Feng IV, is based on the MQM-178 platform and has a range of 1,000 kilometers.
Analysts suggest the Chien Feng IV could be deployed alongside the Hsiung Feng IIE cruise missile, which has a range of 500–700 km. The system is expected to debut publicly at the biennial Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in September.
NCSIST emphasized the project is a joint research effort with Kratos, not a military-commissioned program. Due to a confidentiality agreement, it declined to provide performance details ahead of the unveiling.
Although Taiwan’s armed forces have not formally requested the weapon, NCSIST reportedly sees it as a “low-cost cruise missile” alternative and believes it has strong export potential.
Steve Fendley, president of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division, confirmed to TWZ that the company is collaborating with NCSIST. “Development started early this year and is progressing rapidly,” Fendley said.
