Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) may embark on the development of a significantly upgraded unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), tentatively called "CATS Warrior 2," contingent on the successful operational testing of its smaller predecessor, the CATS Warrior.
At the Aero India 2025 exhibition held in Bengaluru earlier this month, HAL showcased the CATS Warrior, a nearly 2-ton "loyal wingman" UCAV designed to operate in conjunction with manned fighter jets like the Tejas and Su-30MKI. The CATS Warrior, slated for its first flight later this year, is intended to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Beyond the publicly displayed CATS Warrior, information emerged about preliminary design work on a larger, more potent strike UCAV – the CATS Warrior 2. HAL officials indicated that this platform is in the very early stages of design.
The proposed aircraft would be substantially larger, with a projected length of 13 meters and an All-Up Weight (AUW) of approximately 5 tons. It is expected to be powered by two HTFE-25 turbofan engines, each providing 25 kN of thrust. The HTFE-25 is an indigenously developed engine by HAL.
The increased size of the CATS Warrior 2 would allow for a significantly expanded payload capacity, potentially exceeding 1,000 kg. This would enable the UCAV to carry a wider array of heavier weaponry, surpassing the current CATS Warrior's capacity, which is reported to be limited to two Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW). The SAAW is a precision-guided, long-range weapon designed to destroy enemy airfields and other ground targets.
HAL officials stressed that the CATS Warrior 2 program is in its nascent stages, with an estimated four to five years before substantial progress is made. The immediate priority is demonstrating the operational effectiveness of the original CATS Warrior.
Only after the smaller UCAV proves its capabilities in flight tests and operational scenarios will HAL allocate resources to the development of the larger strike platform.
This phased approach acknowledges the significant technical hurdles involved in developing a 5-ton strike UCAV, from design and engine development to integrating it with existing IAF infrastructure.
The proposed specifications of the CATS Warrior 2 – a 13-meter length and 5-ton AUW – suggest a platform comparable in scale to a small fighter-bomber. It is envisioned to carry not only heavier ordnance but also sophisticated sensors, electronic warfare equipment, and potentially even air-launched munitions for long-range strike missions.
Some observers, including discussions on social media platform X, have drawn comparisons to international strike UCAVs like the American XQ-58 Valkyrie and the Russian S-70 Okhotnik-B. However, it's crucial to note any comparison is purely based on size and possible role at this design stage. HAL is prioritizing indigenous technology and cost-effectiveness in its approach.
