SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru earlier this month, the world caught its first glimpse of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) CATS Warrior, a nearly 2-ton loyal wingman Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) that has generated significant buzz in defence circles. Officially announced to take to the skies later this year, the CATS Warrior showcased its potential as a force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF), operating alongside manned fighters like the Tejas and Su-30MKI.
However, what flew under the radar during the event was the possible development of a larger, more formidable strike UCAV platform, often referred to as the CATS Warrior 2. According to HAL officials speaking to idrw.org, this bigger platform is still in the early design phase, with plans for a 13-meter-long aircraft boasting an All-Up Weight (AUW) of nearly 5 tons, potentially powered by twin HTFE-25 (Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine) 25 kN turbofan engines.
HAL officials, speaking confidentially to idrw.org, revealed that this platform remains in the early design phase and is envisioned as a significant upgrade over the current CATS Warrior. According to the details shared, the CATS Warrior 2 would be substantially larger, with a length of 13 meters and an AUW of nearly 5 tons. This increased size would allow for greater payload capacity, potentially exceeding 1,000 kg, enabling it to carry heavier and more diverse weapons compared to the current Warrior’s limitation of two SAAW munitions.
Despite the ambition, HAL officials emphasized that the CATS Warrior 2 program is still in its infancy, with a timeline of four to five years before any concrete progress can be expected. The focus, they stated, remains firmly on proving the capabilities of the current CATS Warrior, which is set for its maiden flight later this year. Only after the smaller platform demonstrates operational success will HAL shift resources and attention to developing the larger strike UCAV. This cautious approach reflects the complexities of scaling up from a 2-ton loyal wingman to a 5-ton strike platform, including challenges in design, engine development, and integration with existing IAF systems.
The 13-meter length and 5-ton AUW of the CATS Warrior 2 suggest a platform akin to a miniature fighter-bomber, capable of carrying not only heavier weapons but also advanced sensors, electronic warfare suites, and possibly even air-launched munitions for extended-range strikes. Posts on X have speculated that this could position the CATS Warrior 2 as a competitor to international strike UCAVs like the U.S. XQ-58 Valkyrie or the Russian Okhotnik, though HAL’s emphasis on indigenous technology and cost-effectiveness sets it apart.
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