India tests unmanned CATS aircraft

India has conducted ground tests of the engine of the CATS guided unmanned aircraft, which is being developed by the local company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The company announced this on its official page on the social media X.

“HAL’s flagship program, Combat Air Teaming System, achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the Engine Ground Run of a Full-Scale Demonstrator, CATS – Warrior,” the company reported.

It is stated that the design and integration of the aircraft was carried out by the Indian design center ARDC, the flight computer was manufactured by the Indian company SLRDC, and AERDC manufactured the power plant.

A full-fledged prototype of a guided unmanned aircraft is planned to be presented at Aero India 2025.

CATS

A mock-up of India’s guided vehicle was presented at the Indian exhibition Aero India-2021, which is held every two years in Bengaluru.

The CATS Warrior is being developed as a guided unmanned aircraft capable of taking off and landing from both airfields and aircraft carriers.

According to the plan, it will be paired with existing Indian Air Force aircraft, including Tejas, AMCA, TEDBF, Su-30 MKI, and Jaguar, which will act as a control station. In other words, the concept of this drone is similar to the American XQ-58A Valkyrie and the European Wingman.

Its primary tasks will include reconnaissance, attack of targets, and, if necessary, absorbing enemy fire to protect the manned aircraft.

The new drone’s combat radius is stated to be 350 km. However, if it is not returned, it can perform missions at a distance of up to 800 km.

In June 2024, the Indian Air Force ordered six TAPAS reconnaissance drones developed by the Indian company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

The new drones were ordered under the Made in India program, which aims to purchase weapons developed and manufactured in India and containing more than 60% of locally produced components.