Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and US-based Kratos have teamed up on the Mighty Hornet IV, a high-speed attack drone born from the MQM-178 Firejet target platform.
The reworked airframe pushes up to Mach 0.8 (980 kilometers/610 miles per hour), pulls high-G maneuvers, and climbs beyond 35,000 feet (10,670 meters).
The transformation marks a major step in converting a proven target drone into an operational attack system.
“The Mighty Hornet IV marks a significant leap in military capability for Taiwan, and a natural extension of the aerial target support Kratos has provided Taiwan for the last 15 years,” said Steve Fendley, President of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division.
From Target to Combat
The MQM-178 has already proven itself in joint drills, with reliable flight performance and adaptability that NCSIST and Kratos said laid the groundwork for its combat conversion.
Those demonstrations also showcased its potential in manned-unmanned teaming and loitering munition missions — roles the upgraded variant is now primed to fill.
“This groundbreaking collaboration truly highlights Kratos’ commitment to innovation and excellence in the defense sector,” Fendly noted.
Beyond Taiwan
The unveiling underscores Taiwan’s push to strengthen indigenous innovation while also leveraging partnerships with the US, its most important backer.
For Kratos, it extends a global unmanned footprint, with an agreement to market the drone internationally.
The Mighty Hornet IV will make its debut at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) starting September 18 at the Nangang Exhibition Center.
