TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s air-launched Hsiung Feng III supersonic missile was recently spotted mounted on an Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF), confirming progress on the long-anticipated project.

Photos released Friday show an IDF carrying a Hsiung Feng III missile under each wing, marking a significant milestone in its development, per UDN. The missile program began in 2022 but faced delays before resuming last September, when the military conducted aerial and surface test launches.

Designed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the Hsiung Feng III has a top speed of Mach 3.5 and a maximum range of 150 kilometers, earning it the nickname "carrier killer." An extended-range variant can reach up to 300 km, boosting Taiwan’s ability to conduct long-range maritime strikes and counter Chinese naval forces.

NCSIST aims to complete development within six years by reducing the missile’s length to under 5.5 meters, narrowing its diameter to 36 centimeters, and cutting its weight to under 900 kilograms. Combat evaluations are expected to take place later this year.