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{{short description|Indian air teaming system}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name= Combat Air Teaming System
|image= File:HAL_Tejas_CATS_concept.jpg
|caption=
|alt=
}}
{{Infobox aircraft type
|type= [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]
|national origin= India
|design group= [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]], [[National Aerospace Laboratories]], Newspace Research & Technologies
|manufacturer= [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
|first flight=
|introduction= 2024-25 (expected)
|status= Under development
|primary user= [[Indian Air Force]] (intended)
|more users= [[Indian Navy]] (intended)
}}
|}

The '''HAL Combat Air Teaming System''' ('''CATS''') is an Indian unmanned and manned combat aircraft air teaming system being developed by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL).<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|last=Hambling|first=David|date=3 March 2021|title=War Of The Wingmen: New Robot Fighters Promise To Transform Aerial Combat|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2021/03/03/war-of-the-wingmen-new-robot-fighters-weigh-in/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> The system will consist of a manned fighter aircraft acting as "mothership" of the system and a set of [[Swarm robotics#Drone Swarming|swarming]] [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]] and [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|UCAVs]] governed by the mothership aircraft. A twin-seated [[HAL Tejas]] is likely to be the mothership aircraft.<ref name="FlightGlobal">{{Cite web|last=Chandra|first=Atul|date=4 February 2021|title=HAL unveils ambitious air-teaming system centred on Tejas|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/hal-unveils-ambitious-air-teaming-system-centred-on-tejas/142280.article|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Flight Global|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Jane's">{{Cite web|last=Parakala|first=Akshara|date=5 February 2021|title=Aero India 2021: HAL's loyal wingmen break cover|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/aero-india-2021-hals-loyal-wingmen-break-cover|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Janes|language=en}}</ref> Various other sub components of the system are currently under development and will be jointly produced by HAL, [[National Aerospace Laboratories]] (NAL), [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) and Newspace Research & Technologies.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Kadidal|first=Akhil|date=20 October 2019|title=Bengaluru startup, HAL team-up for drone battle|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/city/bengaluru-startup-hal-team-up-for-drone-battle-769762.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite news|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=2 December 2020|title=Swarm drone system work fast-tracked to take on China’s air defence|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/swarm-drone-system-work-fast-tracked-to-take-on-chinas-air-defence/articleshow/79498671.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30}}</ref>

The primary aim is to make multiple advanced aerial platforms that can act as [[atmospheric satellite]]s for high altitude surveillance, perform autonomous deep penetration [[Precision Strike|precision strikes]] from [[standoff distance]] with maximum firepower while reduce human error and the threat on life. HAL is planning to complete all the project related developmental work by 2024 or 2025.<ref name="Tandon">{{Cite web|last=Tandon|first=Tulika|date=2021-02-10|title=All about India's Warrior Drone: Air power teaming system explained|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/all-about-indias-new-warrior-drone-air-power-teaming-system-combat-air-teaming-system-explained-1612963591-1|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Jagranjosh}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{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|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

== Design and development ==
HAL Combat Air Teaming is a composite amalgamation of a manned fighter aircraft acting as "mother ship" supported by number of [[Swarm robotics#Drone Swarming|swarming]] [[Unmanned Aerial Vehicle|UAV]] and [[Unmanned combat air vehicle|UCAVs]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nurkin|first=Tate|date=2020-12-21|title=The importance of advancing loyal wingman technology|url=https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/12/21/the-importance-of-advancing-loyal-wingman-technology/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Defense News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Bhalla|first=Abhishek|date=11 March 2021|title=India looks at armed drones for US-style unmanned bombings|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-looks-at-armed-drones-for-us-style-unmanned-bombings-1778146-2021-03-11|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> The objective is to make [[artificially intelligent]] (AI) high altitude surveillance drone, [[air launch]] platform and [[loitering munition]]s with full [[Situation awareness|situational awareness]] to take out enemy targets from longer distance without human intervention. From 2017, the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF), HAL and Newspace Research & Technologies quietly started working on CATS project beginning with the subsystems development. In the same year some initial testing were done at [[Pokhran Test Range]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|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=2021-03-13|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

The [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) in April, 2018 initiated a national level Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme under the Defence Innovation Organisation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Big push for self-reliance in defence production|url=https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/big-push-for-self-reliance-in-defence-production|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-02|website=KNN India}}</ref> It is to encourage and help local startups develop advance technologies and products for future requirements of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] such as long range loitering munitions, stealth coating etc.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-04-09|title=Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) to be launched by Defence Ministry- Technology News, Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/defence-innovation-organisation-dio-to-be-launched-by-defence-ministry-3700705.html|access-date=2021-03-13|website=Tech2}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web|last=Chakraberty|first=Sumit|date=2021-02-15|title=Drone swarms versus stealth covers are the future of warfare|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/business-of-life/drone-swarms-versus-stealth-covers-are-the-future-of-warfare-11613314693054.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-13|website=Mint|language=en}}</ref> Newspace Research & Technologies was one of the two Indian startups which were selected and funded through DRDO Technology Development Fund for the Combat Air Teaming System programme.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Industry Information|url=https://tdf.drdo.gov.in/public_profiles/industry/1344|access-date=30 March 2021|website=DRDO Technology Development Fund|publisher=Ministry of Defence}}</ref> Being one of the winner of iDEX, Newspace Research floated an idea for new generation autonomous aerial platforms that can achieve battlefield dominance and control inside enemy territory. In 2019, HAL presented the actual concept design and termed it ''Combat Air Teaming System'' (CATS). It included a family of AI based connected subsystems that will control and perform autonomous missions.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":15" />

The Deputy Chief Test Pilot at HAL and in-charge of the CATS project Group Captain (Retd) Harsh Vardhan Thakur said, "''CATS is an umbrella term for a combination of manned and unmanned stealth infused assets to increase dominance and decrease human casualties in a highly contested air space where it can perform air to air and air to ground operations''". In future, CATS will also include an unmanned cargo transport and [[IAI-HAL NRUAV|rotary unmanned aerial vehicle]] (RUAV) that can carry payload of 25–30 kg and drop it around 18,000 feet above sea level.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|last=Thakur|first=Aksheev|date=2021-02-22|title=HAL's CATS can be a game changer for aerial warfare|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/karnataka/hindustan-aeronautics-limiteds-cats-can-be-a-game-changer-for-aerial-warfare-673540|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Hans India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=5 February 2021|title=HAL bags a request for proposal from Air Force|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/hal-bags-a-request-for-proposal-from-air-force/articleshow/80696987.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Bangalore Mirror|language=en}}</ref> HAL already started working on a 200 kg RUAV with a range of 100 km.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhalla|first=Abhishek|date=30 June 2021|title=From surveillance to combat: Decoding India's drone mission|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/decoding-india-drone-mission-surveillance-combat-jammu-attack-1820965-2021-06-30|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-04|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

As of 2020, the technologies under development for mother-ship CATS MAX will be first tested on [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar MAX]] that will be equipped with DARIN III+ (Display Attack Ranging Inertial Navigation-III Plus) upgrade package before implementing of [[HAL Tejas|Tejas Mark 1A]] platform.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Udoshi|first=Rahul|date=26 February 2019|title=HAL showcases upgraded Jaguar MAX combat aircraft|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/hal-showcases-upgraded-jaguar-max-combat-aircraft|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Janes|language=en}}</ref> HAL will also test an indigenous [[data link]] for faster data transfer on Hawk-i aircraft which is the locally upgraded version of [[BAE Hawk Mk.132]] that may later on transferred to CATS MAX.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 January 2017|title=HAL launches Hawk-i aircraft upgraded with Indian-made equipment|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newshal-launches-hawk-i-aircraft-upgraded-with-indian-made-equipment-5726446/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-24|website=Airforce Technology|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Waldron|first=Greg|date=22 January 2021|title=India’s Hawk-i tests indigenous anti-airfield weapon|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/indias-hawk-i-tests-indigenous-anti-airfield-weapon/142080.article|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-24|website=Flight Global|language=en}}</ref>

As per Director of HAL Engineering, Research & Development division Arup Chatterjee, each subsystem under CATS project will cost ₹40 crore while an initial investment of ₹400 crore is needed for CATS Warrior, CATS Air Launched Flexible Assets (ALFA) and CATS Hunter.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Shukla (Retd)|first=Col. Ajai|title=HAL puts on show lethal new manned-unmanned warfighting system|url=https://www.ajaishukla.com/2021/02/hal-puts-on-show-lethal-new-manned.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-13|website=Broadsword}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> The total expected cost as per HAL is ₹1,000 crore that will include technology development and [[prototyping]].<ref name=":13" /> Till February 2021, HAL already invested resources on CATS programme from an allocated ₹400 crore internal budget with Indian Air Force planning to join at later stage of development cycle.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":10" /> The main component in CATS is the [[HAL Tejas|Tejas Mark 1A]] aircraft which could be modified with additional command & control interface for this purpose which will then act as Mothership for Air teaming eXploitation (MAX).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Leap of technology: HAL to launch unmanned fighter jet - The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/leap-of-technology-hal-to-launch-unmanned-fighter-jet/amp_articleshow/80686467.cms|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> This CATS MAX will be equipped or teamed up with other sub systems like [[HAL CATS Warrior|CATS Warrior]], CATS ALFA, CATS Hunter and CATS Infinity. To support the Manned and UnManned Teaming operations (MUM-T), an AI based combat algorithm is being developed under Air Combat Intelligence Development (ACID) project.<ref>{{Cite web|last=GS|first=Prasanth|date=8 February 2021|title=CATS – Combat Air Teaming System|url=https://alphadefense.in/cats-combat-air-teaming-system/|url-status=live|access-date=2 March 2021|website=Alpha Defense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-01-31|title=Manned-Unmanned Teaming|url=https://www.japcc.org/manned-unmanned-teaming/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Joint Air Power Competence Centre|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2021, all the systems are currently under various stages of design and development which will be jointly produced by HAL as the leading project agency in collaboration with [[National Aerospace Laboratories]] (NAL), [[Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics]] (CAIR) of [[DRDO]] and Newspace Research & Technologies. CAIR is the main subcontractor to develop advance combat algorithm for artificially intelligent, autonomous [[target acquisition]] system under ACID project.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":13" /> As per HAL, it will take 15 months to convert Tejas Mark 1A into MAX platform.<ref name=":6" /> Under the work share agreement, HAL will develop CATS Hunter and CATS ALFA. At the same time Newspace Research will work on ALFS-S and CATS Infinity. While CATS Warrior will be a [[joint development]] effort.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Saxena (Retd)|first1=Lt Gen (Dr) V K|title=Drone Swarms - a Growing Lethality. Where is the World? Where are We?|url=https://www.vifindia.org/article/2020/april/06/drone-swarms-a-growing-lethality-where-is-the-world-where-are-we|access-date=13 March 2021|website=Vivekananda International Foundation|publisher=VIF India}}</ref>

All the components of the CATS project are expecting completion by 2024 or 2025.<ref name="Tandon" /> A modified twin seated [[HAL Tejas]] is expected to act as lead fighter aircraft.<ref name="FlightGlobal" /><ref name="Jane's" />

The main combat drone [[HAL CATS Warrior]], itself will be able to release a swarm of 24 Alpha-S drones.<ref name=":4" /> Similar systems are also being developed by agencies of China, Russia and the United States.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":4" />

In January 2021, a swarm of 75 drones were flown to showcase the technological maturity of distributed coordinated control scheme based on heterogeneous roles at Army Command Headquarters (ACHQ) with the goal to gradually increase the numbers to 1,000. The [[control system]] under joint development with the [[Indian Army]] and NewSpace Research & Technologies will be used later on ALFA-S.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Joshi|first=Sameer|date=2021-02-02|title='Drone swarms' are coming, and they are the future of wars in the air|url=https://theprint.in/defence/drone-swarms-are-coming-and-they-are-the-future-of-wars-in-the-air/596842/|access-date=2021-05-12|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Forbes">{{Cite news|last=Hambling|first=David|date=2021-01-19|title=Indian Army Shows Off Drone Swarm Of Mass Destruction|newspaper=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2021/01/19/indian-army-shows-off-drone-swarm-of-mass-destruction/?sh=476fc6532384|access-date=2021-03-18}}</ref>

== Components ==
=== CATS Warrior ===
{{Main|HAL CATS Warrior}}
CATS Warrior will be powered by an improved version of [[HAL PTAE-7]] in a twin turbojet engine configuration which was previously used in [[DRDO Lakshya]].<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=2001-01-24|title=PTAE-7 jet engine trial successful|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/ptae-7-jet-engine-trial-successful/article27912362.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-13|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PTAE-7|url=https://hal-india.co.in/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=34|url-status=live|access-date=13 March 2021|website=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited}}</ref> Like the [[Loyal Wingman|loyal wingman]] drone, it is also an unmanned stealth platform which can be controlled by the [[Mother ship|Mothership]] CATS MAX in formation of 2-4 warrior drone from as far as 150 kilometer and is able to fly alongside it to accomplish tasks such as scouting, absorbing enemy fire or even attacking the targets if necessary with its internal weapons.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 February 2021|title=India's Combat Teaming Drones Emerge At AeroIndia 2021|url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/indias-combat-teaming-drones-emerge-at-aeroindia-2021/|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2021|website=Livefist Defence}}</ref> With 700 km of maximum range for [[self-destruct]] suicide missions, CATS Warrior can also carry a payload of 24 ALFA-S up to 350 km for release and safely return to base.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite web|last=Urs|first=Anil|date=4 February 2021|title=HAL hopes to fly high with CATS Warrior and RUAV drones|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/hal-hopes-to-fly-high-with-cats-warrior-and-ruav-drones/article33752827.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Business Line|language=en}}</ref> HAL is going to invest ₹390 Crore ($53.5 Million) for the development of CATS Warrior platform for which the company management already gave its approval as of February 2021. The integration with CATS MAX 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|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Defense World}}</ref>

=== CATS Hunter ===
With [[KEPD 350]] like appearance, the CATS Hunter will weigh {{cvt|600|kg}} and will be powered by a single [[HAL PTAE-7]] turbojet engine.<ref name=":8" /> It is designed as a low observable standoff [[air-launched cruise missile]] that can be integrated into CATS MAX, [[Mirage 2000]], [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar]] or [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI|Su-30MKI]] and will consist of an interchangeable weapon carriage section based on mission profile that can carry {{cvt|250|kg}} of unitary warhead or [[cluster munition]] with a striking range of {{cvt|200-300|km}}.<ref name=":4" /> Once the payload is dropped at the designated target, CATS Hunter will be able to return and can be recovered through a two tier parachute system.<ref name=":12" /> It will use multiple [[global navigation satellite system]] (GNSS) and [[terrain contour matching]] (TERCOM) with mid-flight updates for guidance and an imaging seeker that can help in automatic target acquisition during terminal phase.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=5 February 2021|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.amp|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2021|website=New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-08|title=CATS – Combat Air Teaming System|url=https://alphadefense.in/cats-combat-air-teaming-system/|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Alpha Defense|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Eshel|first=Tamir|date=2021-02-03|title=HAL Develops Weapon Carriers for Manned-Unmanned Teaming|url=https://defense-update.com/20210203_hal-develops-weapon-carriers-for-manned-unmanned-teaming.html|access-date=2021-03-13|website=Defense Update|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== CATS ALFA ===
It is a carrier which will contain Air Launched Flexible Asset Swarm (ALFA-S) [[loitering munition]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mali|first=Carrington|date=15 July 2019|title=Startup developing killer swarm drones for Indian Air Force|url=https://medium.com/@asiaainews/startup-developing-killer-swarm-drones-for-indian-air-force-f1ec8bdfae07|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref> The carrier is capable of gliding and can cover around {{cvt|100|km}} distance after being launched from the mothership.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Som|first=Vishnu|date=1 February 2021|title=How India's New Warrior Drone Can Help Reshape Air Combat|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/exclusive-how-indias-new-warrior-drone-can-help-reshape-air-combat-2361475|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-13|website=NDTV}}</ref> After reaching the desired distance, the ALFA-S can automatically separate from CATS ALFA and fly using its own propulsion thereby increasing the overall striking range. ALFA-S weight {{cvt|25|kg}} has foldable wings of 1 to 2 meter long and can carry 5 to 8 kilogram of warhead with a speed of 100 kilometer per hour.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chandra|first=Atul|date=19 February 2021|title=A show for India|url=https://www.aerosociety.com/news/a-show-for-india/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Royal Aeronautical Society}}</ref><ref name=":6" /> ALFA-S is a networked swarm drone that can able to detect [[Surface-to-air missile|surface to air missile]], radars and fighter jets stationed on ground. Using an artificially intelligent [[machine learning]] algorithm, the onboard mission computer and seeker on ALFA-S can perform autonomous [[target acquisition]] which then assign and self lock on target to perform suicidal attack using an individual or multiple drones.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 February 2021|title=India's HAL to Display Teaming Drone at Aero India 2021|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28878/India_s_HAL_to_Display_Teaming_Drone_at_Aero_India_2021#.YC-Ma8LhXqA|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2021|website=Defense World}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Som|first=Vishnu|date=12 July 2019|title=Swarms Of Indian Drones Being Designed To Take Out Targets Like Balakot|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/swarms-of-indian-drones-alfa-s-being-designed-to-take-out-targets-like-balakot-2068343|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=NDTV}}</ref> A Jaguar MAX will carry 24 ALFA-S in 4 CATS ALFA pods, while as per Group Captain Harsh Vardan Thakur from HAL Flight Operations Unit, [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]] aircraft will be able to carry 30 to 40 ALFA-S during flight.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Galante|first=Alexandre|date=2021-02-01|title=Aero India 2021: HAL apresenta drones de combate|url=https://www.aereo.jor.br/2021/02/01/aero-india-2021-hal-apresenta-drones-de-combate/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-18|website=Poder Aéreo - Aviação Militar, Indústria Aeronáutica e de Defesa|language=pt-BR}}</ref>

Under the India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), ALFA-S is the first joint project between Newspace Research & Technologies, HAL and the US [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] (AFRL). HAL will also help in the designing of CATS ALFA carrier platform that will air launch ALFA-S loitering munition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chaudhary|first=Smriti|date=2020-08-27|title=US Air Force Picks Bangalore Based Start-Up For Developing Air Launched Drones|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/us-air-force-picks-bangalore-based-start-up-for-developing-air-launched-drones/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Eurasian Times|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=26 August 2020|title=Bangalore based start-up developing air launched drones with US Air Force Research labs|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/bangalore-based-start-up-developing-air-launched-drones-with-us-air-force-research-labs/articleshow/77766675.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Joshi|first=Sameer|date=2021-02-02|title='Drone swarms' are coming, and they are the future of wars in the air|url=https://theprint.in/defence/drone-swarms-are-coming-and-they-are-the-future-of-wars-in-the-air/596842/|access-date=2021-03-12|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> The first prototype of ALFA-S will be deployed on [[BAE Hawk|BAE Hawk 132]] Advanced Jet Trainers.<ref name=":7" />

===CATS Infinity===
For last few years NewSpace Research & Technologies already started developing systems such as CATS Infinity. In 2017, [[Boeing]] helped in validating the UAV and was impressed by the design and technological advancement of Infinity in the field of [[aerospace engineering]]. The first flight of the system designed for [[High Altitude Pseudo Satellite|high altitude pseudo satellite]] (HAPS) role was planned from 2019. It is a solar powered high altitude drone with an endurance level as far as 3 months at a cruising altitude of {{cvt|70,000|ft}}, weighing 500 kg.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":14">{{Cite web|last=Thakur|first=Aksheev|date=2021-07-08|title=HAL to partner with Bengaluru start-up to develop HAPS|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/bengaluru/hal-to-partner-with-bengaluru-start-up-to-develop-haps-694842|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-11|website=The Hans India|language=en}}</ref> Infinity is designed to be equipped with [[terrain mapping]] camera and will have the capability of producing [[Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance|airborne real time cueing hyperspectral enhanced reconnaissance]] for deep strike aerial missions inside enemy territory. With a wingspan of 50 meters, the drone uses multiple ultra-lightweight electric motors that generates a speed of 90 to 100 kilometer per hour. New Space is working on high-density [[Rechargeable battery|rechargeable]] [[Lithium-sulphur batteries|Lithium-Sulphur batteries]] that will help constantly power the system for longer duration.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Som|first=Vishnu|date=7 December 2017|title=Drone Designed By Indian Start-Up Could Track China's Military Moves|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/drone-designed-by-indian-start-up-could-track-chinas-military-moves-1784952|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=NDTV}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

It is also intended as a platform for real time communication and control of [[unmanned ground vehicle]]s like Mobile Autonomous Stabilisation System (MASS), Mobile Autonomous Robot System (MARS) and [[Muntra]] developed by DRDO as well as in [[drone warfare]] under the CATS program.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Kuriako|first=Alan Jai|date=15 February 2021|title=Pseudo Satellites|url=https://alphadefense.in/pseudo-satellites-cats-infinity/|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2021|website=Alpha Defense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=28 March 2016|title=India's DRDO introduces new MASS and MARS robot systems at Defexpo 2016|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2016_show_daily_news_coverage_report/india_s_drdo_introduces_new_mass_and_mars_robot_systems_at_defexpo_2016_22803164.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Army Recognition}}</ref> The Infinity platform is built as an Indian alternative for civilian and military drones like [[Maraal UAVs]], [[Facebook Aquila]], [[Airbus Zephyr]] and [[Aviation Industry Corporation of China|AVIC]] Morning Star of China.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 November 2016|title=Airshow China: AVIC unveils Morning Star solar-powered HALE UAV|url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/defense-security-exhibitions-news/air-show-2016/airshow-china-2016/3069-airshow-china-avic-unveils-morning-star-solar-powered-hale-uav.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Air Recognition}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Liu|first=Zhen|date=2018-10-31|title=Successful test flight for China's solar-powered Morning Star drone|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/2171081/chinese-solar-powered-drone-spreads-its-wings-successful-test|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=South China Morning Post|language=en}}</ref> As a civilian platform, it can also help in [[emergency management]], [[internal security]], providing communication for [[smart cities]] and [[traffic management]].<ref name=":0" />

As of July 2021, HAL already started works on further improving the design of CATS Infinity with NewSpace Research & Technologies and is waiting for the approval from [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD). As per HAL official, the development will take 3–4 years of time. The CATS Infinity will act as communication bridge between [[UAV]] and [[satellite]], by providing live video feed and images of the battlefield.<ref name=":14" />

As part of drone warfare programme, the [[Union government]] is planning to provide an initial funding of ₹700 crore in October, 2021. HAL, NAL and NewSpace Research will build the first prototype of CATS Infinity with 70 feet long [[wingspan]]. The development will be completed by 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thakur|first=Aksheev|date=2021-09-20|title=HAL project to build pseudo satellite set to get approval for govt funds: Official|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/hal-project-pseudo-satellite-drone-defence-govt-funds-7519954/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-20|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> On 13 July 2022, HAL sanctioned ₹42 crore through internal funding for prototype development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=ksheev |date=2022-07-12 |title=Bengaluru: HAL allots Rs 42 crore for first prototype of pseudo satellite |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/bengaluru-hal-42-crore-prototype-pseudo-satellite-8024902/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> A scale model with wing span of 8 m, completed two successful test flights on 19 October 2022. The flight was for 5 minutes with no solar panels installed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kadidal |first=Akhil |date=19 October 2022 |title=Defexpo 2022: India's HAPS conducts test flights |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/defexpo-2022-indias-haps-conducts-test-flights |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==


* [[Airbus Zephyr]]
* [[Boeing Airpower Teaming System]]
* [[DRDO Ghatak]]
* [[Facebook Aquila]]
* [[History of unmanned combat aerial vehicles]]
* [[Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_December_2016_WEB.pdf Intelligent Mobile Robotics]

{{HAL aircraft}}

[[Category:Indian Air Force]]

HAL Combat Air Teaming System - Revision history

CleanupBot II at 23:56, 13 August 2023