SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the upcoming Aero India, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to showcase an innovative development in aerospace technology with the CATS OMCA (Combat Air Teaming System—Optionally Manned Combat Aircraft), based on the Kiran Mk2, now dubbed an Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA). This demonstration model hints at a broader strategy for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to repurpose its retired or soon-to-be-retired aircraft fleets.
The primary objective behind CATS OMCA is to evaluate its feasibility for integration into existing aircraft platforms. One of the major proposals being considered is its implementation in the Kiran MkII aircraft, which are set to retire by 2029. Additionally, there is an ambitious plan to incorporate this technology into stored MiG-27 aircraft, which have been retired but kept in reserve over the last few years.
Sources at idrw.org have revealed that the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are exploring the possibility of integrating OMCA technology into soon-to-be-retired jets such as the Jaguar Darin II fleet, which is slated for decommissioning from 2030 onwards.
OMCA project aircraft can be employed in various capacities like Strike Missions where they can act as unmanned or manned platforms for offensive operations, launching strikes in contested areas where human pilots might be at higher risk. Decoy Operations where can be used to draw out enemy air defence systems by mimicking the signatures of more valuable combat aircraft, thereby exposing enemy positions or depleting their munitions.
Protective Roles where In strike packages, OPAs can support manned aircraft by providing additional cover, conducting reconnaissance, or engaging threats, thereby increasing the survivability and effectiveness of the sortie.
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