IAF Accelerates Loyal Wingman Program Amid Falling Squadron Levels

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

With the Indian Air Force (IAF) facing declining squadron levels, plans are underway to fast-track the development of the Loyal Wingman program, a critical force multiplier designed to enhance combat capabilities. The program is spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with private sector company NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT).

The IAF is placing significant emphasis on the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) being developed under the Loyal Wingman initiative. A series of meetings between HAL, NRT, and the IAF have confirmed that substantial progress has already been made in the development of the CATS Warrior. The majority of the technology required for this project has been developed, and the design has been validated through rigorous testing, including the successful testing of a scale model that evaluated the platform’s basic design and flight characteristics.