HAL to Showcase Innovative Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Featuring Optionally-Manned Kiran Mk2 at Aero India 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to unveil an innovative Optionally-Manned Combat Aircraft (OMCA) at Aero India 2025, based on a modified Kiran Mk2 Stage-II Trainer aircraft.

This development is a key component of HAL's Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), which aims to revolutionize aerial warfare through advanced unmanned and manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.

The OMCA project involves transforming the venerable Kiran Mk2 trainer, a long-serving workhorse of the Indian Air Force (IAF), into a versatile combat platform. The aircraft will be capable of operating in both autonomous and ground-controlled modes, providing flexibility for various mission profiles.

The primary role of the OMCA will be as a decoy system, designed to lure out and engage enemy air defences by mimicking the signatures of valuable combat aircraft. This tactic allows for the identification and suppression of enemy air defences before the deployment of primary strike forces.

Beyond its decoy function, the OMCA will also be capable of conducting secondary missions, such as airstrikes in contested airspace. This dual functionality enhances its value proposition, allowing it to contribute offensively even as an expendable asset.

The conversion of retired Kiran Mk2 aircraft into OMCA platforms represents a strategic and cost-effective way to enhance India's military capabilities by repurposing existing resources.

Aero India 2025, Asia's premier air show, will serve as the platform for HAL to demonstrate the capabilities of this new Kiran Mk2 variant. The event will showcase the technological advancements achieved in converting a trainer aircraft into a combat drone, highlighting HAL's commitment to innovation in defence technology.

This showcase is expected to attract significant interest from both domestic and international defence communities, potentially leading to collaborations and export opportunities.

 

[bonito]

Please don't. Stop this "jugaad" in defence. Go to the drawing board. See what you need for the next 40 years and plan accordingly. Please have a principled HAL, not products you fancied.

 

[Sudha]

Instead of focusing on what the IAF needs badly, like the Mk1a, Mk2, and AMCA, HAL, as usual, does things that aren't critical for Bharat's security. How come the MOD is still sleeping its Kumbakarna sleep?

 

[sandy 007]

Please stop this nonsense and contribute in local production of the HTPP 40 and IJT Sitra.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s a good and thoughtful ploy to draw out any SAM systems, drones or hidden assets that can be a threat to our jets and pilots. The only issue and danger is that we shouldn’t then heavily rely on this as a main front line fighter jet which can hold more weapons and has a high fire power capability as it doesn’t unlike the Tejas, Mig 29, Sukhoi 30 or Mirage 2000 jets which are proper fighter jets.

Also this trainer is very old and way past it’s retiring age so designing, developing and converting this trainer will be expensive at first so we should balance the cost verses the potential benefit it can possibly give. Also to draw out any enemy SAM or hidden aerial threats it can also be done by a large and cheap drone rather than using an expensive trainer.

 

[Arin Kumar]

Why not try to integrate the Kaveri with one of these lightweight trainer aircrafts?

 

[swapnil gawande]

Great work. Now HAL is actually working on things they are capable of. Kindly outsource all work related to fighter jet manufacturing to private players and concentrate solely on preparing these kinds of "jugad" for the betterment of Indian defence. Also, please remove the word EXPORT wherever HAL is involved. They have already brought enough shame to the Indian domestic defence sector. Don't defame India internationally.

 

[Dredd]

Another example of HAL working on things that no one want or is interested in, Tejas Mk1A certification and Tejas Mk1 trainer delivery comes last in their priority list.