CATS Warrior

CATS Warrior is a twin-engine, low-observable "loyal wingman" unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) under development by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India. It is designed to fly alongside or behind crewed fighters such as the Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, extending their sensor reach and striking aerial or ground targets while the UCAV itself carries no pilot at risk.

Overview

CATS Warrior is part of HAL's Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), a programme HAL describes as a public-private partnership with the Indian start-up NewSpace Research and Technologies that began around 2018–2019. HAL first showed a scale model at Aero India 2021 and approved internal funding of about ₹390 crore (roughly $47 million) for the programme in February 2021. Janes reported in 2022 that HAL was targeting flight testing in 2024 and deployment in 2024–25, a timetable that has since slipped: on 11 January 2025 HAL completed the first engine ground test of a full-scale technology demonstrator at its Bangalore facility, and displayed a prototype at Aero India 2025 without having yet flown it.

The aircraft's composite, internal-weapons-bay airframe is unmanned and designed for low observability, with a forward fuselage resembling Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat and a mid-fuselage-to-tail shape resembling the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie. HAL intends it to operate from both land bases and aircraft carriers, and has also discussed a smaller naval variant for the Indian Navy.

Design and capabilities

CATS Warrior is 9.1 m long with a 7.6 m wingspan and a 2.6 m height, and has a maximum take-off weight of 2,100 kg. It carries an electro-optic/infrared payload, an AESA radar, an inertial navigation unit and a jammer, alongside a weapon load of up to 650 kg across four hardpoints — two internal stations rated at 155 kg each and two external stations rated at 170 kg each — intended to carry ASRAAM air-to-air missiles, DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW) and the CATS ALFA-S loitering munition. Published performance figures give a cruise speed of 790 km/h (Mach 0.7) and a maximum speed around Mach 0.9, a range of 700 km (with a combat radius of about 350 km), and a service ceiling of 9,000 m.

The demonstrator flown in ground tests is powered by two HAL PTAE-W turbojets, each about 1.27 m long, 330 mm in diameter and weighing 65 kg, rated at 3.7 kN of thrust and derived from the PTAE-7 engine used on the DRDO Lakshya target drone. Janes reported in 2025 that the PTAE-W was still being uprated for greater performance and endurance. HAL has separately discussed re-engining a production CATS Warrior with its more powerful HTFE-25 turbofan, under development since before 2022, saying two HTFE-25 engines should give the UCAV performance "to match frontline combat aircraft."

Operational history

CATS Warrior has not yet flown. As of its January 2025 engine ground test and February 2025 Aero India display, HAL was still building ground-test demonstrators; Wikipedia reports that, as of March 2026, HAL was constructing a 3-tonne prototype to be followed by heavier 5-tonne and 7-tonne versions. No operator has taken delivery; the Indian Air Force is the intended first customer, with a lighter naval variant proposed for the Indian Navy.

Frequently asked questions

Has the CATS Warrior flown?

No. As of early 2025 HAL had completed only ground engine tests of a full-scale demonstrator and displayed a prototype at Aero India 2025; a first flight has not been confirmed.

What is the CATS Warrior's role?

It is a "loyal wingman" UCAV, designed to fly alongside crewed fighters such as the Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, extending their sensors and striking targets without risking a pilot.

What weapons can the CATS Warrior carry?

Up to 650 kg across four hardpoints, including ASRAAM air-to-air missiles, DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons and the CATS ALFA-S loitering munition.

What engine does the CATS Warrior use?

Current demonstrators use two HAL PTAE-W turbojets derived from the PTAE-7; HAL has discussed switching production aircraft to the more powerful HTFE-25 turbofan.

Who operates the CATS Warrior?

No operator yet; it is being developed by HAL for the Indian Air Force, with a smaller naval variant proposed for the Indian Navy.