Taiwan’s National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has teamed up with U.S. defense company Kratos to build the Chien Feng IV. The drone is a jet powered loitering munition derived from the MQM 178 Firejet and is designed to act as a low cost, longer range kamikaze drone. It is expected to make its first public appearance at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Tech Expo in September.
What We Know So Far
The Chien Feng IV project kicked off earlier this year and things are moving quickly. Kratos confirmed it is developing the system and expects a sole source contract before the end of 2025. If that happens, production could begin as soon as 2026. NCSIST has not confirmed military orders yet, but the timing of the expo suggests interest is strong.
Why It Matters
This drone is not just another gadget in the sky. It fills a gap in Taiwan’s defense strategy by providing a cheaper and more flexible option alongside its existing cruise missiles. The idea is to extend reach without burning through budgets, giving the island more options in case of a crisis.
How It Works
The MQM 178 Firejet, on which Chien Feng IV is based, is about 10.8 feet long with a 6.5 foot wingspan. It can fly close to 0.7 Mach, climb up to 35,000 feet, and carry payloads both inside and under its wings. A related system called Airwolf uses the same design but is tuned for tactical missions like loitering and escort roles. It can fly up to 400 nautical miles, stay airborne for more than an hour, and even be recovered by parachute.
What’s Next
The Taipei show in September is likely when we will get a clearer picture. Specs, pricing, and potential exports may all be announced there. For now, the Chien Feng IV looks like a practical step for Taiwan as it seeks to build up cost effective defenses while collaborating with trusted partners like Kratos.
My Take
What makes this project stand out is the balance of affordability and proven tech. It’s not flashy like a stealth fighter, but it’s clever. A swarm of low cost drones like these could make a real difference in modern conflicts. It will be interesting to see how far Taiwan and Kratos push this partnership in the coming years.
Source:
The War Zone – Taiwan Teams Up With Kratos On Jet Powered Kamikaze Drone
