HAL Combat Air Teaming System

Combat Air Teaming System
Role Unmanned combat aerial vehicle
National origin India
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Design group Defence Research and Development Organisation, National Aerospace Laboratories, Newspace Research & Technologies
Introduction 2027-28 (expected)
Status Under development
Primary users Indian Air Force (intended)
Indian Navy (intended)

The HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) is an Indian unmanned and manned combat aircraft air teaming system being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).[1] The system will consist of a manned fighter aircraft acting as "mothership" of the system and a set of swarming UAVs and UCAVs governed by the mothership aircraft. A twin-seated HAL Tejas is likely to be the mothership aircraft.[2][3] Various other sub components of the system are currently under development and will be jointly produced by HAL, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Newspace Research & Technologies.[4][5]

The primary aim is to make multiple advanced aerial platforms that can act as atmospheric satellites for high altitude surveillance, perform autonomous deep penetration precision strikes from standoff distance with maximum firepower while reduce human error and the threat on life. HAL is planning to complete all the project related developmental work by 2024 or 2025.[6][7]

  1. ^ Hambling, David (3 March 2021). "War Of The Wingmen: New Robot Fighters Promise To Transform Aerial Combat". Forbes. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  2. ^ Chandra, Atul (4 February 2021). "HAL unveils ambitious air-teaming system centred on Tejas". Flight Global. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  3. ^ Parakala, Akshara (5 February 2021). "Aero India 2021: HAL's loyal wingmen break cover". Janes. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  4. ^ Kadidal, Akhil (20 October 2019). "Bengaluru startup, HAL team-up for drone battle". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  5. ^ Pubby, Manu (2 December 2020). "Swarm drone system work fast-tracked to take on China's air defence". The Economic Times. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  6. ^ Tandon, Tulika (10 February 2021). "All about India's Warrior Drone: Air power teaming system explained". Jagranjosh. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  7. ^ "HAL's unique deep penetration attack system for fighter pilots to be developed by 2024-25". The New Indian Express. 4 February 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2021.