CATS Warrior is an important part of the CATS(Combat Air Teaming System).
Let's explore.
It is a loyal wingman drone being developed by HAL. It will fly alongside fighters like Tejas/Su-30MKI to scout, strike, jam, and take hits, so pilots stay safe.
It's a low-observable (stealthy) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) acting as a "loyal wingman".
Key roles:
🔹Real-time ISR (intelligence, surveillance, recon)
🔹Precision strikes with internal weapons
🔹Electronic warfare / jamming
🔹High-risk decoy to protect manned jets.
Weight: ~2 t
Length: ~9 m
Engine: PTAE-W turbojet (~3.7 kN)
Speed: Subsonic (~M0.6–0.8)
Range: ~800–1,200 km (ferry)
Payload: ~650 kg (weapons + sensors)
AESA radar, EO/IR, internal bays for stealth
Design evolution??
CATS Warrior was first showcased at Aero India 2021.
Key observations:
🔹 DSI intake (important for stealth)
🔹 Side IWB with provisions for SAAW/NG-CCM/ASRAAM
🔹 Serrated/chevron exhaust nozzles (important part of stealth; helps reduce IR signature)
At 2025 Aero India, saw working CATS Warrior prototype.
Missing from previous design:
🔹 Side IWB
🔹 DSI
🔹 Chevron exhausts
This iteration has:
🔹 Centerline IWB
🔹 Simpler air intake
IMO, chosen for simplicity.
This version uses a Tonbo Imaging Skeye camera for navigation
In this current iteration CATS warrior is designed to operate in both stealth and non-stealth configurations.
You can see the combination of NG-CCM and SAAW in both the configurations.
It can also carry Alpha-S swarm drones as part of its payload.
🔹The program as of today is awaiting its first maiden flight by 2027 followed by rigorous testing and induction in the early 2030s.
🔹Once operational this platform will serve as a force multiplier, reducing pilot risk in operations in a highly contested airspace.
🙏
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