SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced that it will showcase an innovative Optionally-Manned Combat Aircraft (OMCA) based on the modified Kiran Mk2 Stage-II Trainer aircraft at the upcoming Aero India 2025. This development is part of HAL’s broader Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), aiming to revolutionize aerial warfare through advanced unmanned and manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.
The OMCA project envisions transforming the venerable Kiran Mk2 trainer, which has been a stalwart in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for decades, into a versatile combat platform. The aircraft will operate in both Autonomous and Ground controlled modes, offering a flexible asset for various mission profiles. The primary use of the OMCA will be as a decoy system, intended to draw out enemy air defense systems by mimicking the signatures of more valuable combat aircraft, thus exposing and engaging these defenses before the main force arrives.
Beyond its role as a decoy, the OMCA will also have the capability to perform secondary missions like airstrikes in contested airspace. This dual functionality means that even as an expendable asset, it can contribute significantly to combat operations, offering a cost-effective solution to engage targets or distract enemy forces. The conversion of retired Kiran Mk2 aircraft into these OMCA platforms represents a strategic reuse of existing resources, enhancing India’s military capabilities while managing costs.
Aero India, Asia’s premier air show, will be the stage for HAL to demonstrate the capabilities of this new variant of the Kiran Mk2. The event will not only highlight the technological advancements in converting a trainer into a combat drone but also underscore HAL’s commitment to innovation in defense technology. This showcase is expected to draw significant attention from both domestic and international defense communities, potentially opening avenues for further collaborations or exports.
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