HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System Completed Crucial Test

Combat Air Teaming System is an advanced defense technology that integrates manned and unmanned aircraft to enhance operational capabilities. Check here all about HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) in detail.

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Context: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully conducted the engine ground run for its full-scale demonstrator of the Combat Air Teaming System.

About Combat Air Teaming System (CATS)

CATS is a semi-autonomous, futuristic combat system designed to operate in collaboration with fighter jets.
The system consists of a manned fighter aircraft that acts as the “mothership” and a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) that are controlled by the mothership.
It is developed in collaboration with the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Newspace Research & Technologies.

Components of CATS

CATS Warrior, CATS Hunter, CATS Alpha-S and CATS Infinity, all have different specific roles.

CATS Warrior: A semi-autonomous drone capable of working alongside manned fighter jets.
CATS Hunter: A cruise missile launched by the mother ship, capable of penetrating deep into contested airspace to execute precision strikes.
CATS Alpha-S: A glider system designed to carry and release swarms of quadcopter drones (ranging from 4 to 20) into enemy territory, 50–100 km beyond the frontlines.
CATS Infinity: A high-altitude, solar-powered UAV designed for extended intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Operating at altitudes of ~70,000 feet, it can remain airborne for 2–3 months, providing satellite-like coverage.

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