Taiwan and US Partner to Build Attack Drones

US-based Kratos Defense and Taiwan’s military said engineers have successfully tested the Mighty Hornet IV, a jet-powered attack drone, at Kratos’ facility in Oklahoma City. During the trials, Taiwanese mission payloads were successfully integrated into the drone, validating its operational potential.

Kratos described the test as a key milestone that could pave the way for deeper defence technology collaboration with Taiwan’s top military research body, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST)—a central pillar of Taipei’s indigenous weapons development program.

Designed for Large-Scale Deployment and Rapid Response

The Mighty Hornet IV is being developed as a low-cost, cruise missile-like attack drone, with the goal of producing and deploying “large quantities” of the system on Taiwanese soil. Officials said the platform is intended both as a deterrent and as a wartime asset that can support rapid countermeasures and long-range pre-emptive capabilities.

Taipei sees large numbers of relatively inexpensive unmanned systems as a crucial part of its defensive doctrine—especially against a much larger adversary. The partnership with Kratos is therefore framed as a strategic effort to shorten development timelines and enhance operational readiness.

Escalating Tensions With China

The push for advanced drones comes amid increasing military pressure from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory despite strong resistance from Taipei. In 2025, the number of Chinese military aircraft operating near Taiwan—including fighters and drones—rose by about 23%, according to Taiwan’s defence minister.

China’s frequent warplanes, warships, and military drills near the island, characterized by Taipei as “grey zone” tactics, have intensified calls within Taiwan to accelerate acquisition and co-development of modern defence platforms, including unmanned systems.