TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation on Wednesday announced mock weapon drills beginning next week.

Aircraft will drop 275-gallon water-filled fuel tanks off the coast of west Taiwan between April 28 and May 28, according to a Fisheries Agency notice. The test is believed to be part of the military’s air-launched Hsiung Feng III project, Liberty Times reported.

The aircraft will be dispatched in the morning and afternoon for three to five fuel tank drops, the notice said.

The air-launched Hsiung Feng III is a variant of the supersonic anti-ship missile that can be fired from the Indigenous Defense Fighter. NCSIST aims to complete development within six years by shortening the missile’s length to under 5.5 meters, narrowing its diameter to 36 centimeters, and reducing its weight to under 900 kilograms. 

Military enthusiasts spotted an IDF carrying a Hsiung Feng III missile under each wing in February.

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.