CATS Warrior Advances with Engine Integration and MUM-T Datalink Checks, On Track for 2027 First Flight, Confirms HAL Chief

Progress on India's futuristic Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior drone is accelerating, with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirming the completion of critical engine integration tests.

In a recent update, HAL's leadership affirmed that the program is on schedule for the unmanned aerial vehicle's (UAV) maiden flight in 2027, marking a major step forward in the nation's indigenous military aviation capabilities.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director, DK Sunil, confirmed that a full-scale airframe of the CATS Warrior has been successfully fitted with an engine and has undergone ground runs. This essential phase validates the UAV's propulsion system, a foundational step before flight trials can commence.

In parallel, engineers are conducting crucial datalink checks to perfect the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) technology that will allow the drone to communicate and operate seamlessly with a manned fighter jet, such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The development roadmap now focuses on the next critical stage. Throughout 2026, HAL will concentrate on refining the Warrior's flight control systems and aerodynamics.

This involves programming the complex software that will govern its flight and ensuring the drone's physical design provides the necessary stability and manoeuvrability for combat operations.

Successful completion of this phase is vital for meeting the scheduled first flight timeline in 2027.

The CATS Warrior is designed to function as a "loyal wingman," a concept rapidly gaining traction in modern air forces worldwide. This strategy involves teaming autonomous drones with manned fighter jets to enhance combat effectiveness and pilot safety.

The pilot of a "mothership," like the Tejas, will be able to command one or more Warrior drones to perform high-risk tasks such as penetrating heavily contested enemy air defences, launching precision strikes, or conducting real-time surveillance.

This approach aligns India with other global powers developing similar systems, such as the United States' XQ-58 Valkyrie and Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat.

As a force multiplier, the CATS Warrior will significantly enhance the operational flexibility and survivability of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The drone is being designed to carry an array of sensors, electronic warfare equipment, and precision-guided munitions.

Its ability to operate in dangerous environments reduces the risk to human pilots, allowing the IAF to project power more effectively.

This ambitious project is a cornerstone of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat policy, aiming to build sovereign capability in critical defence technologies.

 

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[Mc Addy]

This for now looks imagination but in reality, its like having 3 jets in air instead of 1 , if one pilot can command this type of 2 asset and use it for tactical gains in battlefield.its a valid concept , that must be on priority as then 1 jet will do job of 3 without any risk.

 

[sanket]

Good, Tejas Mk1A will have CATS Warrior ahead of similar programs for other global fighter jets.

 

[VF VF1]

We need a private player in competition with HAL to get funds from the government and also utilise those funds fast and then derive some valuable learning and then bring products out of the shop floor. HAL does have the expertise today, but it is slow.

 

[Sandeep]

This project has been dragging on for a while and although any new technology, material and innovation takes a long time to develop the problem is that it shouldn’t take this long. HAL needs to partner with the private sector a lot more so they can reduce the amount of time and expense they spend on developing it. While it’s meant to be a stealth drone with an internal weapon bay for missiles they should use the technology, knowledge and experience they have gained by working kn the Tejas MK1A, MK2 and AMCA.