Taiwan and the United States have agreed to jointly produce the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology’s Chien Feng I, also known as the Mighty Hornet I, attack drone, according to a senior government official familiar with the matter. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the agreement remains subject to a national security review and legislative budget approval before it can proceed.
According to the source, the proposed collaboration would see Taiwan and the United States jointly manufacture the combat drone, while the United States would serve as the representative for overseas sales. The arrangement is intended to support exports of the Taiwan-developed system to international markets once the required approvals are completed.
The source said the Mighty Hornet I is already in service with Taiwan’s Marine Corps and has successfully completed live-fire testing. The trials reportedly included launches from fast-moving surface ships, demonstrating the drone’s operational capabilities in maritime environments.
The official said the attack drone can be launched from multiple platforms, including attack boats, uncrewed surface vessels, ground-based vehicles and the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology’s Albatross II unmanned aerial vehicle. According to the source, the drone’s flexibility across different launch platforms and its tactical applications make it an attractive system for foreign militaries.
Taiwan is aiming to export between 500 and 1,000 drones, equivalent to approximately 10 to 50 complete systems, the source said. Each system includes the drone, a launcher, a tactical guidance tablet computer and a modular backpack designed to enable faster deployment while maintaining battlefield mobility.
The source said Taiwan’s defense manufacturing sector has traditionally specialized in producing small arms and ammunition but is increasingly shifting toward systems designed for asymmetric warfare, including drones and missile modules. According to the official, this reflects broader efforts to expand Taiwan’s defense industry into higher-value military technologies.
The source said Taiwan has previously sold up to 500 million rounds of 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition to the United States. The official also said Taiwan’s T91 carbine has been adopted by the Royal Jordanian Army and military forces in Kuwait.
According to the source, Taiwan-developed Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles have also been exported to countries in Southeast Asia. The official added that Taiwan is currently holding discussions with Middle Eastern countries operating M60 main battle tanks regarding possible midlife upgrades incorporating Taiwan-developed Laser Rangefinder and Thermal Imaging Fire Control System Kits.
In response, the military said all exported military-grade systems and platforms comply with the Defense Industry Development Act. It added that Taiwan looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the United States and other international partners through joint weapons production in Taiwan.
The source also highlighted the historical background of Taiwan’s defense manufacturing industry, saying the Armaments Bureau’s 205th Arsenal has produced small arms and ammunition since the 1970s, when the Republic of China maintained a mutual defense treaty with the United States. According to the official, the arsenal’s predecessor, the Combined Logistics Command’s 44th Arsenal, once wagered a bottle of whiskey with then-head of the US Military Assistance Advisory Group Major General Livingston Taylor that it could increase annual production of T57 rifles from 6,000 to 15,000 within a year after production began.
The source said the arsenal met the production target and won the wager, adding that the bottle of whiskey remains on display at the 205th Arsenal.
