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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is confronting a significant shortfall in its fighter jet capacity, operating with only 30 squadrons against a government-sanctioned strength of 42.5.
This gap comes at a critical time, as regional adversaries China and Pakistan are enhancing their air power with advanced fifth-generation stealth aircraft, altering the strategic landscape in South Asia.
To effectively address this growing challenge and boost its domestic defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy, India must accelerate two of its most ambitious indigenous aviation projects: the CATS Warrior loyal wingman and the highly secretive Futuristic Unmanned Fighter Aircraft (FUFA).
These unmanned systems are seen as vital for the future of Indian air combat.
The operational readiness of the IAF is under pressure, a situation expected to worsen as eight of its existing squadrons are scheduled to be phased out over the next decade.
While the force's 4.5-generation aircraft like the French-made Rafale and the Russian-origin Su-30MKI are formidable, they do not possess the low-observable characteristics and advanced data-processing capabilities of fifth-generation jets. This disparity is becoming more pronounced as China expands its fleet of over 200 J-20 stealth fighters.
Furthermore, recent reports suggest Pakistan is poised to acquire at least 40 Chinese J-35A stealth jets, a move that could significantly impact the region's air power dynamics, especially in light of the heavy combat losses reported during the intense but brief Indo-Pak conflict of May 2025.
A key part of India's response is the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The program is pioneering the concept of manned-unmanned teaming for the IAF, where a single pilot in a "mothership" aircraft—such as a Tejas Mk1A or the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—can command and control two armed drones.
The CATS Warrior is designed with a stealthy profile, internal weapons bays, and an artificial intelligence-driven autonomous system. Its capabilities are tailored for high-risk missions, including the Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (DEAD), making it a crucial tool for deep strikes and reconnaissance in heavily defended airspace.
Progress on the CATS Warrior has been steady, with HAL successfully conducting an engine ground run for the full-scale prototype in January 2025. Flight trials are anticipated to begin by late 2025 or early 2026.
This system offers a cost-effective method to multiply the IAF's force, allowing it to neutralize sophisticated threats like Pakistan's Chinese-procured HQ-9 surface-to-air missile systems, which were high-priority targets during "Operation Sindoor" in May 2025.
A larger version, CATS Warrior 2, is also reportedly under development, promising a greater payload for fighter-bomber operations.
Alongside the Warrior, India is developing the Futuristic Unmanned Fighter Aircraft (FUFA), a top-secret project managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Sometimes referred to by its earlier names, AURA or Ghatak, FUFA is envisioned as a low-observable UCAV designed for deep-penetration strategic strikes.
The primary goal of this platform is to attack high-value targets within enemy territory with a very low chance of radar detection, a critical capability against adversaries with modern air defence networks.
While specific details are classified, FUFA is expected to be a jet-powered, autonomous aircraft carrying its munitions internally to maintain its stealth signature.
A significant hurdle for the FUFA program has been the creation of a suitable indigenous engine.
The Dry Kaveri engine, which has been purpose-built for the UCAV, is reportedly in its final trial phase in Russia, with certification anticipated in the near future. The successful development and integration of this engine are crucial for the program to advance to full-scale production.
If fast-tracked, FUFA could provide the IAF with a decisive edge, offering a non-piloted option to counter the proliferation of fifth-generation fighters in the region and ensuring India's national defence remains robust and technologically advanced.
