Thread by @ExiledSeraph6

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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