TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A domestically developed drone was spotted flying over the eastern coast of the Hengchun Peninsula early Wednesday, alongside unmanned surface vessels, according to eyewitness accounts.

The drone was identified as a Jing Feng unmanned aerial vehicle, operating in tandem with Kuai Chi attack USVs maneuvering offshore, Liberty Times reported.

The Jing Feng was developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology for frontline use in precision strikes. Part of NCSIST’s “Hunter Owl Project,” the drone has a flight endurance of about 15 minutes and a control range of up to eight kilometers. It is equipped with optical and infrared sensors, along with high-explosive munitions.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, mass production of the Jing Feng is expected to begin between 2026 and 2027, with a planned initial batch of 30 units at a total cost of NT$3.84 million (US$128,089).

The Kuai Chi USV, also developed by NCSIST, completed a combat capability demonstration in June. The institute aims to finish combat evaluations by the end of the year and begin mass production by 2026. The Army is considering purchasing over 200 units to strengthen its maritime strike capabilities.