Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Programme

About Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Programme:

• It represents a leap in unmanned and manned combat aircraft systems.
• The primary goal is to create advanced aerial platforms that can serve as atmospheric satellites for high-altitude surveillance and conduct autonomous deep-penetration precision strikes from standoff distances, all while minimising risk to life.
• The programme’s long-term goals include deep-strike precision, improved battlefield awareness, and secure communications for enhanced operational efficiency.
• To achieve these capabilities, HAL’s CATS programme comprises multiple platforms, each tailored for specific roles in combat operations:
  • CATS-Warrior: A stealth UCAV designed to accompany manned fighter jets on missions as a loyal wingman platform. It can carry Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAWs) and Next-Generation Close Combat Missiles (NG CCMs) in internal weapon bays to enhance its strike and self-defence capabilities. These drones reportedly possess stealth features, making them difficult for enemy radars and air defence systems to detect. The Warrior drone can execute strikes after penetrating nearly 700 km into enemy territory.
  • CATS-Hunter: Likely to be an air-launched low-observable cruise missile capable of precision strikes deep inside enemy territory. HAL has reportedly indicated that this system will play a role similar to the SCALP missile integrated with the IAF's Rafale jets.
  • ALFA-S Swarm Drones: Released from a carrier pod mounted on the mothership, these swarm drones can perform air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, including neutralising enemy air defence systems. A Tejas aircraft can potentially carry three pods (12 drones), while a Su-30MKI can carry up to four pods (16 drones).
  • CATS-Infinity Pseudo Satellite: The Infinity is an ultra-high-altitude, solar-powered pseudo satellite designed to operate at an altitude of approximately 70,000 feet. With an endurance of 90 days, it bridges the surveillance gap between satellites and UAVs. Equipped with advanced sensors and synthetic aperture radar, its primary role within the HAL CATS programme is to track targets in enemy territory and coordinate missions involving the CATS Warrior. The pseudo satellite can also support 4G and 5G services, strengthening military communication systems.
• The system envisages the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as the "mothership" controlling a network of autonomous platforms, including the CATS-Warrior, which is a low-observable unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).

Q1: What is the meaning of Cats Warrior?

HAL Cats Warrior is an automatic wingman drone currently in the detailed design phase. It is a part of the Combat Aircraft Teaming system program developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Source: BS