SOURCE: AFI
In a groundbreaking revelation, Harsh Vardhan Thakur, Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has announced that the upcoming Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior Loyal Wingman will feature an advanced AI-based voice command system. This cutting-edge capability, already certified and flight-tested, will allow the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) to receive and execute directives from a manned fighter jet, ushering in a new era of manned-unmanned teaming for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Unveiled as a key highlight at Aero India 2025, the CATS Warrior is poised to redefine aerial warfare with its seamless integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous operations.
The CATS Warrior, developed under HAL’s ambitious Combat Air Teaming System program, is designed to operate as a “loyal wingman” alongside manned fighter jets such as the Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale. Unlike traditional drones, which require extensive ground control, the Warrior is engineered for autonomy and real-time collaboration with piloted aircraft. According to Thakur, the AI-based voice command system is a game-changer, enabling pilots in the cockpit of a mothership fighter to issue verbal instructions directly to the UCAV, which then executes them with precision.
“This system allows for intuitive, hands-free control,” Thakur explained during a briefing at HAL’s Bengaluru headquarters. “The AI interprets voice commands from the pilot, processes them through a certified algorithm, and translates them into actionable flight or combat maneuvers. It’s like having a co-pilot who doesn’t need a seat.” The technology, already proven in flight trials, marks a significant advancement over conventional data-link systems, reducing pilot workload and enhancing operational flexibility.
What sets the CATS Warrior apart is the certification of its AI-driven voice command module—a rare feat for such an advanced system in unmanned aviation. Thakur emphasized that the technology has undergone rigorous testing, including simulated combat scenarios, to ensure reliability and safety. “We’ve flown it, tested it under various conditions, and it’s certified for integration,” he said. This certification aligns with global aviation standards, positioning the Warrior as a mature platform ready for operational deployment.
The voice command system leverages natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, allowing it to understand contextual instructions and adapt to different accents and speech patterns—a critical feature for the diverse IAF pilot pool. Integrated with the Warrior’s mission computer, developed by HAL’s Strategic Electronics Research and Design Centre (SLRDC), the AI can prioritize commands, coordinate with onboard sensors, and execute complex tasks like target acquisition, evasion, or weapons release.
The CATS Warrior itself is a stealthy, twin-engine UCAV with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of approximately 2,500 kg, powered by HAL’s indigenous Pilotless Target Aircraft Engine-W (PTAE-W) turbojet. Unveiled as a full-scale demonstrator at Aero India 2025, it features internal weapon bays housing precision-guided munitions like the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and Next-Generation Close Combat Missiles (NG-CCMs). Its design prioritizes low radar observability, with a sleek airframe and over-fuselage intake, enhancing survivability in contested airspace.
The UCAV’s Autonomous Take-Off and Landing (ATOL) system further complements its voice command capability, enabling it to operate independently or under pilot direction. With a range exceeding 700 km and an endurance of several hours, the Warrior can undertake deep-strike missions, surveillance, and electronic warfare, all while protecting its manned counterpart from enemy threats.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.