SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is intensifying its efforts to ramp up production of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior Loyal Wingman, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed to revolutionize India’s air combat capabilities. In a strategic move, HAL is roping in an expanding network of private sector suppliers to bolster its manufacturing ecosystem, driven by the cost-effectiveness of the platform and the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) growing appetite for such systems.
A HAL official, speaking to idrw.org, revealed that the company aims to produce nearly 100 units annually, with the IAF signaling potential large orders to integrate the CATS Warrior into strike packages and loyal wingman roles alongside manned jets. However, the final order quantity hinges on the IAF’s evaluation, underscoring the program’s critical next steps.
The CATS Warrior unveiled as a full-scale demonstrator at Aero India 2025, represents a leap in India’s Indigenous unmanned aviation technology. Designed to operate as a force multiplier for manned fighters like the Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale, it excels in roles ranging from deep-strike missions to protecting its manned counterparts in contested airspace. To meet the anticipated demand, HAL is forging partnerships with private firms, leveraging their expertise in composites, electronics, and precision engineering. This collaboration builds on earlier successes, such as Tata Advanced Systems’ handover of a CATS Warrior prototype to HAL in February 2025, signalling a robust supply chain in the making.
A HAL official told idrw.org, “We’re bringing in more private sector suppliers to ensure scalability and efficiency. The CATS Warrior’s production could see a significant uptick, thanks to its cost advantage and the operational need for 3-4 units per strike package or loyal wingman role.” Unlike traditional fighters, which cost upwards of $50-100 million per unit, the CATS Warrior’s price—estimated at $5-10 million—makes it an attractive option for mass deployment, reducing the financial burden on the IAF while enhancing combat flexibility.
The IAF, grappling with a squadron strength of 31 against a sanctioned 42, sees the CATS Warrior as a game-changer. Posts on X and reports from idrw.org suggest a production target of approximately 100 units over 5-6 years post-development, starting around 2027. However, the HAL official clarified to idrw.org that “the IAF has indicated large orders, but the exact quantity will be finalized after evaluation.” This cautious optimism reflects the IAF’s need to balance immediate operational gaps with rigorous testing of the UCAV’s autonomous capabilities, stealth features, and integration with manned platforms.
A typical strike package or loyal wingman configuration might require 3-4 CATS Warriors per manned jet, enabling a single pilot to command a swarm for surveillance, precision strikes, or electronic warfare. This man-unmanned teaming concept, akin to the U.S. Skyborg or Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, amplifies lethality while minimizing risk to human pilots—a critical factor as threats like drones and advanced air defences proliferate along India’s borders.
HAL’s projected capacity of 100 units per year—once production stabilizes—could meet the IAF’s needs while leaving room for exports. Private sector involvement, from air intake ducts (sought in 2024) to mission computers and engines (developed by SLRDC and AERDC), ensures a distributed workload, reducing bottlenecks and fostering innovation across India’s defence ecosystem.
Despite the enthusiasm, the CATS Warrior’s fate rests on its performance in IAF trials, expected post its first flight in late 2025 or early 2026. The idrw.org report highlights that “order quantity might be decided after evaluation,” reflecting the IAF’s prudent approach. Key metrics will include its Autonomous Take-Off and Landing (ATOL) system, payload capacity, and seamless integration with manned jets via secure data links. Success here could unlock orders for hundreds of units, dwarfing the initial 100-unit estimate and reshaping IAF doctrine.
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