HAL CATS Program: News & Discussion - 11 January 2025

[Rakesh]

HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS)

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). The system will consist of a manned fighter aircraft acting as "mothership" of the system and a set of swarming UAVs and UCAVs governed by the mother ship aircraft. The program consists of the following;

• CATS Alfa: Swarming air teaming system (swarm UAVs)
• CATS HALE: High Altitude Long Endurance UAV
• CATS Hunter: A low observable (LO) standoff, air-launched asset
• CATS Infinity: High altitude pseudo satellite (solar powered)
• CATS OMCA: Decoy UAV to deceive enemy air defence systems
• CATS Warrior: Unmanned Wingman to deliver weapons into contested airspace

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/HALHQBLR/status/1878066001654567121 ---> The flagship program of HAL, Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the Engine Ground Run of a Full-Scale Demonstrator, CATS - Warrior.

https://x.com/HALHQBLR/status/1878066004456018267 ---> This demonstrates synergy between various R&D centres of HAL with aircraft design and integration by ARDC, indigenous Mission Computer from SLRDC & indigenous power plant from AERDC. The prototype aircraft is slated to be unveiled at Aero India-25.

https://x.com/HALHQBLR/status/1878066006855487753 ---> Dr D K Sunil, CMD appreciated the team members involved in this project and called upon them to ensure that the aircraft flies at the earliest.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/HALHQBLR/status/1878066004456018267 ---> This demonstrates synergy between various R&D centres of HAL with aircraft design and integration by ARDC, indigenous Mission Computer from SLRDC & indigenous power plant from AERDC. The prototype aircraft is slated to be unveiled at Aero India-25.

From Group Captain HV Thakur (retd)...

https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/1878102925861331128 --->

• Indigenous Aircraft
• Indigenous Engines
• Indigenous Mission Systems
• Indigenous Weapons

A reply to the above tweet...

https://x.com/sijojohnv/status/1878130520162230548 ---> I believe, we have reached a stage where we can start saying "Indian" instead of 'indigenous'.

• Indian Aircraft
• Indian Engines
• Indian Mission Systems
• Indian Weapons

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/HALHQBLR/status/1878066001654567121 ---> The flagship program of HAL, Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the Engine Ground Run of a Full-Scale Demonstrator, CATS - Warrior.

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1878109415401730420 ---> HAL CATS Warrior render.

• 2 x modified AERDC PTAE-7 turbojet engines power this scale of the CCA
• Internal bay can carry 2 x SAAW
• External hardpoints on wings are capable of carrying an ASRAAM NGCCM or a SAAW.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1878072545103999167 ---> HAL's flagship program Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) kicks off with successful conduct of engine ground run of a full scale demonstrator of CATS - Warrior.

• Aircraft design & integration by ARDC (Aircraft Research and Design Centre)
• Mission computer by SLRDC (Strategic Electronics Research & Design Centre)
• Engine by AERDC (Aero Engine Research and Development Centre)
• Prototype will be unveiled at Aero India 2025

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1878089241298612563 ---> How it Started VS How it’s Going.

Besides the revised layout of the dorsal air intake, the fuselage cross sectional area has increased with a more pronounced hump/saddle on the top leading to more internal volume which can be used for more fuel and larger weapon bays.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Rethik_D/status/1878111703444980183 ---> HAL's futuristic program Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) kicks off with unveiling and engine run of CATS Warrior - a loyal wingman. Here is the crisp breakdown of the prototype.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Kunal_Biswas707/status/18 ... 7634393397 ---> This is a new engine called PTAE-W which is an upgraded PTAE-7. New engine is heavier and longer, meant for higher temperature and endurance. It slightly burns more fuel than it's older PTAE-7 in present configuration. Got FADEC Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and more electronics and upgrades unlike older PTAE-7.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1878110321191059779 ---> An overview of the CATS program as of Aero India 2023:

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1878110321191059779 ---> An overview of the CATS program as of Aero India 2023

https://x.com/amanroutray7/status/1878133346943041837 --->

[ernest]

Reposting from UAV thread:

Awesome to see progress. Looks like they went finally with the single ventral weapons bay.

The first Aero-India mockup looked better, but the design evolved during the subsequent design phases. This was indicated in the CATs/MUMT teaser released by HAL during Defexpo-22. Better tradeoffs overall with this design, never mind the less aesthetic intake.

------from earlier times--------

viewtopic.php?p=2607843#p2607843
viewtopic.php?p=2607917#p2607917




The Defexpo-22 video shows yet another different version, which has reduced sweep and more prominent intakes.

FWIW, HVT also mentioned that there will be different versions of different sizes like Warrior 0.5 / 0.75 / 1 / 1.5, with the numbers being indicative of relative size. They might have varying IWB configurations and different payloads e.g EW, different radar/EO combinations.

Cannot find the original tweet, as HVT has split his accounts since.

In the video, around 15-20 seconds, you can notice a bigger Warrior that is partially hidden, but the wing/tail are clearly bigger than the central display version. It is tough to say, but the Warriors pictured on deck also seem to have a ventral IWB.

One thing which is clear is that SAAW and CCMs (ASRAAM?) will be the main weapons carried by different warrior versions.

added later



the full video actually shows ventral IWB deploying SAAW in the second half @ 3:00

[ernest]

In the video, around 15-20 seconds, you can notice a bigger Warrior that is partially hidden, but the wing/tail are clearly bigger than the central display version. It is tough to say, but the Warriors pictured on deck also seem to have a ventral IWB.

Alpha Defence has reported that the bigger Warrior is actually called Max. This is a bit confusing, since earlier Max was used in context of mothership - Jaguar Max. Could be Warrior-Max too. We can argue about terminology, but it will be clear when HAL finally unveils it

Small one is warrior
Larger one is Max

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1878109570159321201

Also reported that tech on Kiran unmanned TD that will fly this Aero-India will be used to prove concepts for this CATS Max UCAV

It is just to prove technology needed for CATS MAX

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1878140174606979506

-guess we will need more threads soon
@admins, please move to appropriate thread, if this does not fit here.

Edit: HAL poster above by Rakesh ji shows the mothership to be named CATS MAX
BTW, if you look at the OMCA section of the poster, there is a hint of converting Mig-21/27 airframes to optionally manned along with Kiran. Sensible approach much like the Chinese conversion of Mig-19/J-6 and Mig-21/J-7.

https://interestingengineering.com/inno ... ets-drones

[Yagnasri]

Tubo jet engine?

[suryag]

This one came fast like the Sitara, wishing it quick progression to next stage.

[Rakesh]

-guess we will need more threads soon
@admins, please move to appropriate thread, if this does not fit here.

Thank you Ernest.

I changed the title thread to reflect the entire gamut of CATS.

Anything relating to CATS, we can now post in this thread.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1878473427369238692 ---> Someone was asking about stealth of CATS Warrior

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/UstadMaverick/status/1888600103784714354 ---> CATS warrior undergoing ground run tests.

[Rakesh]

Please drag and drop this picture into a new browser window for full size.

https://x.com/shreedharsingh9/status/18 ... 7014589532 ---> CATS Warrior.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/shreedharsingh9/status/18 ... 3901309119 ---> We are also going to integrate HFTE 25 engine with CAT'S warrior.

VIDEO: https://x.com/livefist/status/1888926125885145336 ---> Great convo here between @hvtiaf_bharat and @ShivAroor on the CATS Warrior unmanned wingman at #AeroIndia2025.

[Rakesh]

CATS Warrior Steals the Show at Aero India 2025
https://bharatshakti.in/cats-warrior-st ... ndia-2025/
12 Feb 2025

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/1889912122383147178 ---> CATS

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/TonboImaging/status/1890329524308525359 ---> Did you spot Skeye on @HALHQBLR CATS Warrior Wingman UCAV? On display at #IndiaPavilion. #AeroIndia2025.

https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/1890380465942446248 ---> @TonboImaging Skeye on CATS Warrior

[Rakesh]

CATS Warrior: India’s Foray Into The Future Of Unmanned Combat With Indigenous UCAVs
https://www.news18.com/opinion/opinion- ... 34412.html
21 Feb 2025

CATS Warrior is part of India’s broader loyal wingman concept, which aims to revolutionise network-centric warfare by integrating AI-driven drones with fighter aircraft like the Tejas, Su-30MKI, and Rafale

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1894370345756299549 ---> This is what "Warrior" and "Abhimanyu" will offer. Source: Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Copied from @joe_sameer's article shared yesterday.

[Rakesh]

Video is from Aero India 2025.

HAL Develops 5th Generation Lethal CAT Warriors Drone That Can Stealthy Attack Enemy

India's prime defence manufacturing maharatna company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed 5th generation stealthy drone that has can go deep inside enemy territory around 300 km and can comes back safely after firing two missiles hidden in weapon bay. The drone can even work as kamakazi drone depending on target value as it is being cheaper than other resources available to Indian armed forces. The best part is drone has completely indigenous homegrown engine that gives flexibility for mass production in India besides it can also be exported to friendly countries.

[ernest]

With the hulla around fizzleya getting J-35s, fast-tracking CATS Warrior is the easiest (aircraft) counter we can implement. Given the distances involved in air combat over pakistani territory, Warrior should suffice in keeping J-35s away from our aerial assets. We would be able to counter those expensive 5th gen fighters with sub-$10M LO loyal wingmen.

Larger versions with AL-55I / HTFE-25 (later) should also be on the drawing board. The current version with 2x-PTAE-W might be limited to ASRAAMs, that too on external stations. Larger versions will likely have ample IWB space for 2x BVRAAM (Astra-mk1/2).

Current version with SAAWs carried internally will be good for precision strikes without risking manned aircraft, or expensive missiles.

[basant]

CAT's Warrior has BVR armed externally, not good for stealth. SAAWs are in the internal weapon bays though.

[ernest]

CAT's Warrior has BVR armed externally, not good for stealth. SAAWs are in the internal weapon bays though.

yes, that's why we need to accelerate the larger versions powered by Al-55I/HTFE-25. It is already planned.

That said, it will still be able to get pretty close to opponent fighters, or force them back further into their territory. RCS will be pretty low, and we can outnumber opponent fighters, especially due to the low cost. J-35s trying to get close to Indian aerial assets will have to worry about Warriors coming from all directions, from which it might not be so VLO.

Another scenario, where Warriors (without external stores, and hence lower RCS) can provide targeting data flying 100km ahead of our Tejas/Su-30s who can launch AGMs to take out the target. We can have several of them around our high value assets like AEWCS/tankers to protect against VLO fighters. Lots of ways it will increase survivability and lethality of our aerial assets

[Khalsa]

A working engine now working for a platform in development. Lets see how this goes.
WIshing them the very best.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/DefenceDecode/status/1932362427133305016 ---> CATS WARRIOR PROTOTYPE

Stealthy airframe with internal weapon bays
AI-based autonomous operations for loyal wingman missions
Compatible with Tejas Mk1A, Mk2 and AMCA for manned-unmanned teaming
Designed for deep-strike, reconnaissance, and #SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) roles

https://x.com/DefenceDecode/status/1932323850181611602 ---> HAL’s low observable unmanned combat aerial vehicle the loyal wingman, CATS Warrior.