India’s indigenously developed Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior project is in its final stages, with the first test flight of the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) expected to take place in 2026, according to the latest reports. The prototype development is nearing completion.
The ‘CATS Warrior’ is being designed to carry out battlefield strikes both independently and in coordination with fighter jets. The UCAV will be linked to a manned fighter aircraft, referred to as its ‘mother ship’, via a secure data link, allowing the pilot to control it remotely. For the upcoming tests, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Kiran trainer aircraft will serve as the mother ship, with modifications made to its avionics to support this function.
Ground testing of the CATS Warrior has already been successfully completed. The current prototype is powered by a low-thrust engine that is sufficient for basic flight. However, to carry weapons and advanced equipment while maintaining longer endurance, a more powerful engine will be required. In this regard, plans are underway to co-develop a compact jet engine in partnership with foreign collaborators. British aerospace giant Rolls-Royce has expressed interest in joining the CATS Warrior programme.
Multiple additional tests are scheduled in the coming months to further enhance the UCAV’s performance. Only after the successful completion of these evaluations will flight trials commence. The CATS Warrior is considered a critical project for the Indian Air Force.
With unmanned combat systems and drone swarms expected to play a decisive role in future warfare, India aims to achieve self-reliance in this domain. The CATS Warrior is being developed to operate alongside India’s upcoming fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and is also expected to integrate with the current fleet of fighter aircraft in the near future.
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