VincentOFarrell at 16:07, 4 April 2026

2026-04-04T16:07:08Z

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{{short description|Unmanned combat aerial vehicle}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = CATS Warrior
| logo =
| logo_size =
| image = Hal cats warrior.jpg
| alt =
| caption = HAL CATS Warrior prototype at Aero India 2025
| long_caption =
| other_names =
| aircraft_type = [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] ([[loyal wingman]])
| aim =
| outcome =
| related =
| national_origin = [[India]]
| manufacturer =
| design_group = [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
| designer =
| builder =
| issuer =
| status = Prototype testing
| owners =
| primary_user = [[Indian Air Force]] (intended)
| more_users = [[Indian Navy]] (intended)
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| first_flight = 2025 (planned)
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}}

'''HAL CATS Warrior''' is a [[low observable]] [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] and a [[loyal wingman]] developed by the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) under the [[Public Sector Undertakings in India|state-owned]] [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL). The aircraft is a part of the [[HAL Combat Air Teaming System|Combat Air Teaming System]] (CATS) programme undertaken by a [[Public–private partnerships in India|Public Private Partnership]] (PPP) between the HAL and NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), an Indian private startup. In [[Aero India]] 2021, a scaled-down mock-up was presented for the first time.<ref name="newindianexpress">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-02-09 |title=HAL’s futuristic, deadly CATS to be battle-ready by 2024-25 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/Feb/05/hals-futuristic-deadly-cats-to-be-battle-ready-by-2024-25-2259724.html |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2025-01-13 |title=CATS Warrior: HAL completes key test of loyal wingman for deep-strike ops |url=https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/cats-warrior-hal-completes-key-test-of-loyal-wingman-for-deep-strike-ops-125011300631_1.html |access-date=2025-01-13 |work=Business Standard}}</ref> In Aero India 2025, a CATS Warrior prototype was displayed by HAL.<ref name=":3" />

==Development==
CATS Warrior is being developed as an [[Loyal wingman|autonomous wingman drone]] also capable of taking off and landing on land and at sea from an [[aircraft carrier]]. It will team up with existing and future fighter aircraft of the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) including [[HAL Tejas|Tejas]], [[HAL AMCA|AMCA]], [[HAL TEDBF|TEDBF]], [[Su-30MKI]] and [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar]] which will act as its [[Mother ship|mothership]].<ref name="indiatoday">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-gears-up-for-unmanned-warfare-helicopter-drones-cats-warrior-ration-delivery-ladakh-troops-1766009-2021-02-04|title=Strikes from 700km away to drones replacing mules for ration at 15,000ft, India gears up for unmanned warfare - India News|website=indiatoday.in|date=4 February 2021 |accessdate=22 February 2021}}</ref> The CATS Warrior is primarily envisioned for the IAF's use and a similar, smaller version could be designed for the [[Indian Navy]]. It will be controlled by the mothership and accomplish tasks such as scouting, absorbing enemy fire, attacking the targets if necessary with its internal and external pylons weapons or sacrifice itself by crashing into the target.
[[File:HAL Warrior.jpg|thumb|CATS Warrior model displayed in Aero India 2021]]
It will fly back for mission within the combat radius of 350 km and for long range mission with combat radius of 800 km it will sacrifice itself crashing into the target. As an [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|unmanned]] asset, it can be directed towards a target and sacrificed in case it cannot be flown back to territory.<ref name="alphadefense">{{cite web|url=https://alphadefense.in/cats-combat-air-teaming-system/|title=CATS – Combat Air Teaming System|website=Alpha Defense|date=8 February 2021|accessdate=22 February 2021|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210012528/https://alphadefense.in/cats-combat-air-teaming-system/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "''Warrior will serve as a 'sensor amplifier' for the LCA, flying out ahead of the manned aircraft and using its sensors to feed information back to LCA''" HAL test pilot [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] H.V. Thakur (retd.).<ref name="janes">{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/amp/aero-india-2021-hals-loyal-wingmen-break-cover/ZnlJK3dHVU9mZ28xajRJVkc5dVI5VFp1cVMwPQ2|website=janes.com|title=Aero India 2021: HAL's loyal wingmen break cover|date=5 February 2021 |accessdate=22 February 2021}}</ref>

The scale model of CATS Warrior was first unveiled at [[List of Aero India editions#13th edition (2021)|Aero India 2021]]. The Warrior scale model was accompanied by TEJAS-MAX cockpit which acted as a "mothership" for the CATS.<ref name=":0" /> HAL management approved an internal funding of {{INRConvert|390|c|lk=on|year=2021}} for the development as of February 2021. As per Arup Chatterjee, Director of HAL Engineering, Research & Development division the integration with CATS MAX mothership will take 1-2 years and first flights is scheduled for 2024-25.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 February 2021|title=HAL Earmarks $53.5 Million Investment in CATS Warrior Stealth Drone Project|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28908/HAL_Earmarks__53_5_Million_Investment_in_CATS_Warrior_Stealth_Drone_Project#.YIWCtaEcnVg|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Defense World}}</ref>

On 11 January 2025, [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) successfully conducted the engine ground run of a full-scale demonstrator of the aircraft. CATS Warrior is one of the flagship programmes of HAL.<ref name="X-270324">{{cite twitter |number=1878066001654567121 |user=HALHQBLR |title=The flagship program of HAL, Combat Air Teaming System achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the Engine Ground Run of a Full-Scale Demonstrator, CATS - Warrior. |date=2025-01-11 |access-date=2025-01-12}}</ref> Multiple design changes has been brought up in the demonstrator as compared with the scale model, most importantly the [[air intake]]. The new design shifted from angular surfaces which prioritised stealth. A report stated that, instead, "the aircraft uses RAM ([[Radar Absorbent Material]]) coatings and laminations with over 99% attenuation". These changes were made to enhance the performance while still being low observable. The changes could also increase payload and efficiency.<ref name=":2" />

HAL displayed the prototype in [[List of Aero India editions#15th edition (2025)|Aero India 2025]].<ref name=":3" /> The jet will undergo further ground testing, followed by taxi trials and [[first flight]] scheduled by the end of 2025.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Deshpande |first=Smruti |date=11 February 2025 |title=Designed for assisting fighter aircraft, HAL CATS likely to take first flight by year end |url=https://theprint.in/defence/designed-for-assisting-fighter-aircraft-hal-cats-likely-to-take-first-flight-by-year-end/2488765/?amp |access-date=12 February 2025 |website=ThePrint}}</ref>

As of March 2026, HAL was building a 3 tonne prototype which will be followed by 5 tonne and a 7 tonne prototype. Under the prototyping stage of the 3 tonne variant, the [[fuselage]] is being manufactured following the [[detailed design]] stage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-03 |title=Military supplies from Israel may be delayed, have adequate stocks for current year: HAL CMD |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/military-supplies-from-israel-may-be-delayed-have-adequate-stocks-for-current-year-hal-cmd-10616346/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260404153027/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/military-supplies-from-israel-may-be-delayed-have-adequate-stocks-for-current-year-hal-cmd-10616346/ |archive-date=2026-04-04 |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Design ==

It has a composite structure with an internal weapon bay & hybrid design whose front section looks like [[MQ-28 Ghost Bat]] wingman & from its mid fuselage to its tail like [[XQ-58 Valkyrie]].<ref name="alphadefense"/>

'''Avionics''' — It will be equipped with an electro-optic/infrared payload, [[Active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) radar, inertial navigational unit, and a jammer for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and combat operations.<ref name="defenseworld">{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28908/HAL_Earmarks__53_5_Million_Investment_in_CATS_Warrior_Stealth_Drone_Project|website=defenseworld.net|title=HAL Earmarks $53.5 Million Investment in CATS Warrior Stealth Drone Project|accessdate=22 February 2021}}</ref> The prototype uses an indigenous Mission Computer from SLRDC.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=C.S |first=Hemanth |date=2025-01-12 |title=HAL’s latest Combat Air Teaming System completes crucial test ahead of upcoming Aero India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/hals-latest-combat-air-teaming-system-completes-crucial-test-ahead-of-upcoming-aero-india/article69090082.ece |access-date=2025-01-12 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>[[File:Sidebay warrior.jpg|thumb|SAAW in warrior's internal bay & NG-CCM.{{efn|The transparent place in the picture is not it's sideway weapon bay, its only a mean to see its internal weapon configuration in HAL warrior model at Aero India. The weapons will be stored internally in center of warrior's body not on its side.}}]]

'''Armament''' — It can carry two new-generation short-range or beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles externally, and two [[DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon]] (SAAW) internally in its internal weapon bay.<ref name="flightglobal">{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/hal-unveils-ambitious-air-teaming-system-centred-on-tejas/142280.article|title=HAL unveils ambitious air-teaming system centred on Tejas {{pipe}} News|website=Flight Global|accessdate=22 February 2021}}</ref>{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| width = 200
| image1 =
| caption1 = F35 chevron exhaust
| image2 = Exhaust.png
| caption2 = CATS Warrior wingman model with chevron exhaust at Aero India 2021
}}

=== Propulsion ===
It has a single [[S-duct|serpentine air intake]] on the top of its fuselage that leads to its two engines.<ref name="alphadefense" />

The CATS Warrior employs two [[HAL PTAE-7|HAL PTAE-W]] engines derived from the [[HAL PTAE-7|PTAE-7]] engine developed by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited#Aero Engine Research and Development Centre|Aero Engine Research and Development Centre]]. The original variant of PTAE-7 is used on [[DRDO Lakshya]] target drone.<ref name="newindianexpress" /><ref name=":0" /> The modified engine, designated PTAE-W, is a single-shaft, lightweight [[turbojet engine]]. The engine measures is 1.27 meters in length, 330 mm in diameter, and weighs 65 kg. The engine core includes a four-stage transonic [[axial compressor]], single-stage [[turbine]], annular flow [[combustion chamber]], and 16 fuel flow burners. The engine variant also features a new [[FADEC]] system and an enhanced [[time between overhauls]] (TBO) of 1,000 hours with a thrust output of {{Convert|380|kgf|kN|abbr=on}} and a [[Specific fuel consumption (thrust)|specific fuel consumption]] of 1.15 kg/kg.f/hr.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-01-11 |title=HAL Unveils CATS Warrior: A Significant Leap in Indian Aviation |url=https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2025/01/12/cats-warrior-engine-ground-run/?amp=1 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=alphadefense.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
Its exhaust will feature chevron nozzle design similar to the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35]] to reduce the [[Jet blast]] noises & radar emissions.
== Specifications ==
{{Aircraft specs
| ref = [[The New Indian Express]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 February 2021|title=HAL's unique deep penetration attack system for fighter pilots to be developed by 2024-25|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/feb/04/hals-unique-deep-penetration-attack-system-for-fighter-pilots-to-be-developed-by-2024-25-2259553.html|access-date=2021-03-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> [[Twitter]]<ref>{{cite twitter|number=1888528765363560634|user=connect_rishav|title=CATS Warrior infographic, with sub-systems and weapons package|date=2025-02-09}}</ref>
| prime units? = met
| capacity = 650 kg weapon load
| length m = 9.1
| length ft =
| length in =
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| span m = 7.6
| span ft =
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| height m = 2.6
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| max takeoff weight kg = 2100
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| eng1 number = 2
| eng1 name = HAL PTAE-W
| eng1 type = [[turbojet]]
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| eng1 kn = 3.7
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| max speed mach = 0.9
| cruise speed kmh = 790
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| range km = 700
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| combat range km = 350
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| ceiling m = 9000
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| guns =
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| missiles =
| hardpoints = 4: 2 internal (155kg each) & 2 external (170kg each)
| hardpoint capacity = 650kg
| hardpoint rockets =
| hardpoint missiles = 2 × [[ASRAAM]] [[air to air missile]]
| hardpoint bombs = <br>
*** 2 × [[Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon]]
*** 2 × NG-CCM
*** 24 × [[HAL Combat Air Teaming System#CATS ALFA|CATS ALFA-S]]
| hardpoint other =
| avionics =
}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
*[[DRDO Ghatak]]
*[[Boeing Airpower Teaming System]]
*[[List of unmanned aerial vehicles]]
*[[Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{notelist}}

{{HAL aircraft}}

[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of India]]
[[Category:HAL aircraft]]
[[Category:Unmanned stealth aircraft]]

HAL CATS Warrior - Revision history

VincentOFarrell at 16:07, 4 April 2026