No more decade-long wait: India eyes stealth 5th-gen stealth drone fighter to strike enemy air defences and save pilots' lives

Time of India

28-05-2025

CATS Warrior
CATS can detect, track and shoot down aircraft from long distances
Features include stealth, AI and coordinated missions
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India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is conducting trials of the indigenous Kaveri jet engine in Russia, with plans to use it in an upcoming Indian long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), defence officials told ANI. The engine is in the final stages of testing, with around 25 hours of trials remaining. These remaining trials depend on the availability of test slots provided by Russian authorities. Officials confirmed the Kaveri engine is being considered for the indigenous UCAV project currently in development. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is developing Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, a fifth-generation unmanned wingman drone. It is designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets and perform multiple roles during combat missions. The CATS system help air force to target and destroy modern enemy air defences while keeping pilots and expensive aircraft out of danger. The CATS Warrior will work closely with India's upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter , the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft ( AMCA ), by taking on high-risk missions and carrying out air strikes against radar systems and missile launchers.The CATS Warrior drone was unveiled at Aero India 2025, while the Kaveri engine is undergoing trials in Russia. Together, they represent India's effort to strengthen its self-reliance in aerial defence systems and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.These systems can detect, track and shoot down aircraft from long distances. Sending a manned aircraft into such heavily defended areas is risky and expensive. Instead, India plans to use the Warrior drone to fly ahead, strike targets like radar stations and missile batteries, and reduce the exposure of human pilots and advanced fighters.The CATS Warrior is designed with a low radar signature to avoid detection and is built to survive in enemy's airspace. Its compact size and stealth design make it suitable for missions that require avoiding radar and surface-to-air missiles.The CATS Warrior features stealth capabilities, internal weapon bays, and advanced avionics. The structure is built using composite materials, and its shape is designed to lower radar visibility. The drone can carry a mix of weapons, including precision-guided bombs, anti-radiation missiles, and electronic warfare systems to jam enemy radar. It also has the ability to fly in groups or 'swarms' to overwhelm defences with coordinated attacks.By using secure data links and artificial intelligence, the Warrior can operate alongside the AMCA and other platforms in real-time. This networked approach allows it to receive mission updates, share intelligence, and coordinate with both ground control and other aircraft.It includes a single serpentine air intake and twin engines, inspired by drones like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat and XQ-58 Valkyrie, to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce radar cross-section. The drone is equipped with an electro-optic infrared payload, AESA radar, and electronic jamming systems. It can carry two short-range or beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles externally, and two DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons internally.The AMCA, which is still under development, is planned to serve as a command-and-control aircraft for the Warrior drones. Rather than exposing itself to enemy fire, the AMCA will direct multiple drones from a safer distance.The interest in the Kaveri engine has increased recently, partly due to social media campaigns urging the government to #FundKaveri. Originally, the engine was developed for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project, but delays led to the use of American GE-404 engines instead.While the GE-404 remains the primary engine for the current LCA variants, officials noted that there are plans to install the Kaveri engine on one LCA aircraft to showcase its capabilities.India is also exploring options to develop a more powerful engine for future aircraft, such as the Mark 2 version of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). According to officials, discussions are ongoing with companies in France, the UK, and the US. A decision is expected in the near future.India's push to develop indigenous fighter jet technology aims to reduce reliance on foreign defence imports. Programmes like LCA Mark 1A, LCA Mark 2, and AMCA are key elements of this strategy. By integrating locally developed technologies such as the Kaveri engine, India plans to create self-sustaining defence capabilities for its air force.The Kaveri engine is expected to power the same indigenous UCAV programme in which the CATS Warrior may play a part. The engine project was originally developed for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) but faced delays, leading to the use of imported GE-404 engines.The CATS Warrior can be used for scouting, absorbing enemy fire, and attacking targets. It can also return to base after completing its mission, enhancing sustainability. Designed as a 'loyal wingman,' the drone can carry out missions up to 700 kilometres from its base.The CATS Warrior is part of HAL's broader effort to integrate manned and unmanned systems. It is expected to improve mission effectiveness and reduce risks to pilots. The project aims to support the Indian Air Force's future operational capabilities in line with global trends in unmanned warfare.