With the successful engine ground run of the CATS-Warrior Full-Scale Demonstrator, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has reached a major milestone in its flagship Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program. This event, which happened on January 11, 2025, represents a significant advancement in the creation of this cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), which is intended to work in tandem with manned aircraft to improve combat capabilities.
The CATS-Warrior is intended to be a “loyal wingman” drone that can carry out a variety of tasks, such as combat support and surveillance. By working alongside manned platforms, it is intended to lower the dangers to human pilots and improve operational efficacy in high-threat situations. The system incorporates native technologies created by the several research and development centers of HAL, such as:
The Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) is in charge.
created by the Research and Development Center for Systems and Laboratories (SLRDC).
The Aero Engine Research and Development Center (AERDC) was the engineering firm.
With plans to present the prototype at Aero India 2025, the successful engine ground run shows that HAL is moving closer to operational readiness.
Two HAL PTAE-W turbojet engines, which provide about 7 kN of thrust, power the CATS-Warrior. In addition to offering redundancy, this dual-engine setup balances power distribution. Important details include:
Maximum weight at takeoff: around 1.1 tons.
capable of missions up to 350 km in combat range, and up to 800 km in sacrifice missions.
outfitted with external pylons for a variety of armaments, including missiles like as the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), and an internal weapon bay.
When sophisticated AI-based software is integrated, it may function with high degrees of autonomy and, when needed, without human supervision. Additionally, the design includes elements intended to maximize stealth and aerodynamics.
In late 2025, HAL hopes to launch the CATS-Warrior for the first time. This schedule is in accordance with continuous improvements based on input from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other project participants. The CATS program is a component of India’s larger plan to improve its defense capabilities by developing and innovating its own aerospace technology.
The chairman and managing director of HAL, Dr. D.K. Sunil, has underlined the significance of keeping the project moving forward and its possible influence on India’s strategic military capabilities. India’s unmanned combat air vehicle capabilities have advanced significantly with the CATS-Warrior, which is in line with the global trend toward autonomous systems in military operations.
