The U.S. and Taiwan have successfully tested a new jet-powered attack drone amid increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan.
A custom payload and mission system has been integrated into Taiwan’s Mighty Hornet IV unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The system was jointly developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) in Taiwan and US-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions.
“The team successfully tested and validated the NCSIST-provided payload/mission system to confirm its operational capability with the Mighty Hornet IV aircraft without revisions to the design,” said a representative from Kratos.
The representative also called the test a major milestone that could lead to deeper military cooperation.
The move aims to quickly enhance Taiwan’s ability to deploy a large number of low-cost weapons against a potential Chinese invasion.
The drone is designed to function like a low-cost cruise missile, with plans to deploy large quantities in Taiwan as both a deterrent and a wartime asset.
It came as Taiwan expands security ties with the U.S. while Beijing continues to increase military pressure around the island.
Taiwan reported that Chinese warplanes and warships have been operating near the island almost every day.
Taiwan’s defence minister said that Chinese military activity near the island rose 23 per cent last year.
It is part of Beijing’s grey zone tactics to provoke Taiwan without attacking it head-on.
