HAL May Spearhead "CATS Warrior 2" Development with Enhanced Payload and Heavy Weaponry if First Version Proves Success in IAF

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.

 

[Bhishma]

CATS warrior is the future. Instead of wasting too much money on 5th-Gen fighter jets, focus on this. Get a top AI scientist. Within the next 5 years, we could see fully autonomous AI fighters. This is not sci-fi. AI is progressing rapidly. AlphaGo was released in 2016. Before that, it was thought impossible to solve Go. Now, computer Go has surpassed human capability. The algorithm for AlphaGo, i.e. Deep Reinforcement Learning, is at the heart of major AI innovations, such as: self-driving cars, vertical landing rockets, protein folding, bipedal robots. The same algo can be (will be) used for autonomous AI fighters. When that happens, the human-driven fighters won't stand a chance. It's like playing top chess computer program vs humans. The greatest breakthrough in AI is deep reinforcement learning, not ChatGPT.

2-ton CATS is good as it is. Focus on the AI part. The key is to make it as small as possible, as fast as possible, with at least two A2As. When they operate in a swarm, they can take down any 5th-Gen jet.

 

[Akhil]

CATS warrior is the future. Instead of wasting too much money on 5th-Gen fighter jets, focus on this. Get a top AI scientist. Within the next 5 years, we could see fully autonomous AI fighters. This is not sci-fi. AI is progressing rapidly. AlphaGo was released in 2016. Before that, it was thought impossible to solve Go. Now, computer Go has surpassed human capability. The algorithm for AlphaGo, i.e. Deep Reinforcement Learning, is at the heart of major AI innovations, such as: self-driving cars, vertical landing rockets, protein folding, bipedal robots. The same algo can be (will be) used for autonomous AI fighters. When that happens, the human-driven fighters won't stand a chance. It's like playing top chess computer program vs humans. The greatest breakthrough in AI is deep reinforcement learning, not ChatGPT.

2-ton CATS is good as it is. Focus on the AI part. The key is to make it as small as possible, as fast as possible, with at least two A2As. When they operate in a swarm, they can take down any 5th-Gen jet.

AI requires semiconductors more than scientists. The US has put restrictions on powerful GPU exports. There are many open-source models.

 

[beencensured]

AI requires semiconductors more than scientists. The US has put restrictions on powerful GPU exports. There are many open-source models.

Yes, there may be restriction, but it is not limiting issue. First is learning, by fighter pilots how they maneuver. Second is the combination/ permutation and calculating decision making, levels of decision making, based on sensor input, so sensor/radar need 360 degree seamless coverage.

Right now, most important is AI targeting as that will take major workload off the pilot, next AI assisted piloting, then fully ai autonomous flying vehicles.

 

[Tls Mani]

Instead of multiple products, focus all energies on a good system & operationalise as soon as possible. We have criminal neighbours in the West & East to be hammered.

 

[tlsmani]

Seperate division or company exclusive for UAV/CATS /MALE etc to be formed.How OFB split has increased efficiency. So also discoms. This is to ensure HAL is not saddled with too many products & tight Schedules.

 

[Bhishma]

AI requires semiconductors more than scientists. The US has put restrictions on powerful GPU exports. There are many open-source models.

This is not as demanding as LLMs. We should be able to use a lower powered commercially available GPU. With the resources Indian govt has, we can break the monopoly Nvidia has on the industry. This will have to be done by funding the IITs & other top colleges to write alternatives to CUDA. AMD is also trying to do the same. We can collaborate with them.