Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has marked a major milestone in Indian defense technology by successfully conducting the engine ground run of the CATS-Warrior demonstrator on January 11, 2025.
- This development is part of the ambitious Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program, which is set to revolutionize aerial combat capabilities. The prototype aircraft is scheduled to be unveiled at Aero India 2025, following the simulator demonstration at Aero India 2021.
Overview of the CATS Program:
- The Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) is an integrated air teaming concept designed to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strike, reconnaissance, and defense capabilities. It features a combination of manned and unmanned platforms working in unison.
Key Components:
- CATS-Warrior:
- Type: Stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).
- Role: Loyal wingman platform designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets.
- Capabilities:
- Equipped with Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAWs) and Next-Generation Close Combat Missiles (NG CCMs) housed in internal weapon bays for enhanced stealth and firepower.
- Stealth Features: Designed to evade enemy radars and air defense systems.
- Range: Can penetrate approximately 700 km into enemy territory to execute precision strikes.
- CATS-Hunter:
- Type: Air-launched low-observable cruise missile.
- Role: Precision deep-strike capability, comparable to the SCALP missile used by the IAF’s Rafale jets.
- Features: Designed for high accuracy and low detectability, making it ideal for striking high-value targets deep inside enemy territory.
- ALFA-S Swarm Drones:
- Deployment: Released from a carrier pod mounted on a mothership aircraft.
- Mission Profiles:
- Air-to-Ground: Neutralizing enemy positions or strategic assets.
- Air-to-Air: Targeting enemy aircraft or defense systems.
- Carrier Capacity:
- Tejas: Can carry 3 pods (12 drones).
- Su-30MKI: Can carry 4 pods (16 drones).
- CATS-Infinity Pseudo Satellite:
- Type: Ultra-high-altitude solar-powered pseudo satellite.
- Altitude: Operates at approximately 70,000 feet.
- Role:
- Persistent surveillance.
- Communication relay.
- Intelligence gathering.
(Source: Business Standard)
