HAL Combat Air Teaming System
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). 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. 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.
| 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 | 2024-25 (expected) |
| Status | Under development |
| Primary users | Indian Air Force (intended) Indian Navy (intended) |
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.