New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is reportedly preparing to showcase an expanded Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) line-up at Aero India 2027 in Bengaluru. The proposed display is expected to highlight the larger CATS-Warrior Phase-II, an Astra-equipped CATS-Warrior Phase-I, and a redesigned CATS-Hunter cruise missile.
The reported developments highlight India’s growing focus on unmanned combat aircraft, autonomous operations, and advanced weapons integration. However, the specific exhibition plans and technical details described in the report should be treated as provisional until confirmed by official HAL announcements.
HAL’s Expanded CATS Line-Up At Aero India 2027
The reported showcase is expected to demonstrate different parts of HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System, an indigenous programme aimed at helping crewed fighter aircraft work alongside unmanned platforms.
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The concept focuses on combining human decision-making with the capabilities of unmanned aircraft. These platforms could support missions such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and combat operations in high-threat environments.
The proposed line-up includes three major elements: the larger Warrior Phase-II, the Astra-equipped Warrior Phase-I, and the redesigned Hunter cruise missile. Together, these systems reflect India’s interest in developing more flexible and networked air combat capabilities.
Details of HAL CATS Warrior Phase-II
The reported CATS-Warrior Phase-II is described as a larger and more advanced version of HAL’s unmanned loyal-wingman aircraft.
Compared with the earlier design, the Phase-II concept reportedly features a sharper, faceted nose, a mid-mounted wing, a V-tail configuration, and a wider fuselage.
These design changes are intended to support a larger internal weapons bay and improve the aircraft’s suitability for demanding operational environments. The actual performance benefits will depend on the final design and testing.
What are Features of HAL CATS Warrior Phase-II
The report suggests that the aircraft could measure between 13 and 14.7 metres in length and fall within the five-to-nine-tonne weight category.
It also describes a proposed weapons payload capacity of approximately 1.6 tonnes. These figures should not be considered confirmed production specifications.
The larger airframe is reportedly intended to provide space for internal weapons, potentially supporting a reduced external signature compared with weapons carried on exposed hardpoints.
Concept artwork mentioned in the report also depicts the aircraft carrying a BrahMos-NG missile. This should be understood as a proposed configuration rather than confirmation of an operationally integrated weapon.
Indigenous Engines For HAL CATS Warrior Phase-II
HAL reportedly plans to use two indigenous HTFE-25 turbofan engines to power the larger aircraft.
The HTFE-25 is being developed by India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), which operates under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). However, the report states that the engines are not expected to be fully ready until around 2030. If that timeline holds, engine development could influence the schedule for the aircraft’s flight testing and further development. The final propulsion choice and programme timeline remain subject to official confirmation.
Astra-Equipped CATS-Warrior Phase-I
While the larger Phase-II represents a possible future direction, the original CATS-Warrior Phase-I remains an important part of HAL’s unmanned combat aircraft programme.
According to the report, the Phase-I aircraft is approximately 9.1 metres long, with a wingspan of around 7.6 metres. Its weight is described as roughly two tonnes.
The report also suggests that the aircraft could make its maiden flight in 2027. However, the actual flight schedule and development milestones require confirmation from HAL.
Astra Missile Integration
One of the most notable claims concerns the proposed integration of the Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile with CATS-Warrior Phase-I.
The Astra is an indigenous air-to-air missile developed by DRDO. It is designed to engage aerial targets beyond the range of direct visual contact.
If successfully integrated and tested, such a capability could allow an unmanned aircraft to contribute to air-to-air combat missions alongside crewed fighter jets. However, displaying an aircraft model with a missile does not establish that the weapon has been fully integrated, tested, or cleared for operational use.
The reported Aero India 2027 display could therefore be an opportunity to understand HAL’s intended direction for the programme, provided the configuration is officially confirmed.
The Redesigned CATS-Hunter Cruise Missile
The third reported element of the expanded line-up is the redesigned CATS-Hunter.
HAL’s broader CATS concept includes the Hunter as an air-launched strike system intended to work with the wider manned-unmanned team. Its purpose differs from that of the Warrior, which is an unmanned aircraft designed to perform a wider range of supporting combat missions. The report describes the latest Hunter configuration as a compact, air-breathing cruise missile designed to attack targets from a distance.
CATS-Hunter: Reported Design Details
The reported configuration measures approximately 4.4 metres in length and has a wingspan of around 3.8 metres.
The article also describes a folded-wing diameter of approximately 630 millimetres and an estimated weight of around 600 kilograms. These figures have not been independently established as final official specifications.
A compact design could make it easier to accommodate the weapon on suitable launch platforms. However, actual compatibility would depend on the aircraft, launch mechanism, weapon dimensions, and completed integration trials.
The Hunter is intended to complement the wider CATS family by adding a dedicated strike capability. Its final design, propulsion system, performance, and operational status will depend on the programme’s development and testing.
What Is HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System
The Combat Air Teaming System is an Indian programme focused on combining crewed aircraft with unmanned platforms.
The broader concept includes the CATS-Warrior unmanned wingman, CATS-Hunter air-launched strike systems, CATS-ALFA weaponised drones, and the CATS-MAX mothership concept for command and control.
These elements are intended to perform different tasks within a connected air combat network.
For example, an unmanned wingman could support a crewed fighter by carrying sensors, gathering information, or undertaking assigned missions. Other systems could provide additional strike options or operate as groups of smaller drones.
The actual tasks and level of autonomy would depend on the final systems, communications, software, and operational approvals.
Why Manned-Unmanned Teaming Matters
Modern air forces are exploring ways to use unmanned aircraft alongside traditional fighter jets.
Such systems may help distribute mission risks, extend the reach of air operations, and give commanders more options during complex missions.
They could also allow crewed aircraft to coordinate with unmanned platforms rather than perform every task themselves.
For India, the development of these capabilities could support its wider goal of strengthening domestic aerospace design, engineering, and defence manufacturing. However, these benefits depend on successful development, reliable communications, weapons integration, and realistic operational testing.
Aero India 2027: When And Where Will It Take Place
Aero India 2027 is scheduled to take place from 8 to 12 February 2027 at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The event is organised by the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence. It provides a platform for Indian and international companies to present aerospace technologies, defence systems, and aviation products.
The exhibition is also an important opportunity for the Indian defence industry to demonstrate domestic engineering capabilities and discuss partnerships. Whether HAL displays all three reported CATS configurations in the form described remains subject to official confirmation.
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FAQs
Aero India 2027 is scheduled for 8–12 February 2027 at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
HAL’s CATS-Warrior is an unmanned loyal-wingman aircraft being developed as part of India’s Combat Air Teaming System. It is intended to operate alongside crewed aircraft and support assigned combat missions.
The CATS-Hunter is an air-launched strike system within HAL’s broader Combat Air Teaming System concept. It is intended to provide a strike capability alongside other unmanned platforms, although its final specifications and operational status require confirmation.
