(Ti, W, Mo, V)(C, N)-based cermets were prepared by mixing Mo 2 C, WC and TaC with ultrafine (Ti, W, Mo, V)(C, N) powders, and then processed via a conventional P/M technique. The effect of Mo 2 C, WC and TaC on the microstructure and mechanical properties of (Ti, W, Mo, V)(C, N)–8wt.% Ni–7wt.% Co systems was investigated. The Mo 2 C content was varied from 0 to 10wt.% and additive WC or TaC was added at a level of 5wt.% with Mo 2 C addition. The results show that the densification of (Ti, W, Mo, V)(C, N)–8wt.% Ni–7wt.% Co cermets was improved significantly by the addition of Mo 2 C. With the increase of Mo 2 C content, there is a coarsening tendency in the microstructure of (Ti, 20W, 15Mo, 0.2V)(C, N)–8Ni–7Co system, but the refinement for (Ti, 15W, 5Mo, 0.2V)(C, N)–8Ni–7Co. TaC addition decreases the density of (Ti, 15W, 5Mo, 0.2V)(C, N)–10Mo 2 C–8Ni–7Co cermet and thus weakens its bending strength. (Ti, 15W, 5Mo, 0.2V)(C, N)–10Mo 2 C–5WC–8Ni–7Co cermet has optimal mechanical properties: bending strength of 1999MPa, hardness (H v ) of 1677MPa and toughness of 9.95MPa m 1/2 respectively by adding WC, which is due to its ultrafine and weak core/rim structure.