Archive · 28 Nov 2025
India's CATS Warrior Drone Ready by 2027
India is building a new combat drone called the CATS Warrior.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) says it will be ready by next year and will fly for the first time in 2027.
This drone is special because it has advanced features like stealth technology, which makes it hard to detect, and it can carry different types of weapons.
It is designed to do many tasks like gathering information, surveillance, and combat.
The drone is part of India's plan to make its defence stronger and more modern.
It is being developed by HAL's research and design centre along with other technology partners.
The CATS Warrior is a big step in using autonomous systems to make missions more successful and safer for pilots.
HAL's CATS Warrior U-CAV expected to be ready by 2026 and fly by 2027.
Drone features stealth technology, advanced avionics, and hybrid design.
Equipped with electro-optic/infrared systems, AESA radar, and electronic jamming.
Can carry two new-generation air-to-air missiles and two DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW).
Developed as part of India's broader CATS initiative to integrate manned and unmanned aerial platforms.
- Who
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- What
- Development of the CATS Warrior unmanned combat aerial vehicle (U-CAV)
- When
- Expected to be ready by 2026, with first flight in 2027
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance India's defence capabilities and modernize aerial combat with autonomous systems
- Drone Name
- CATS Warrior
- Developer
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Expected Readiness
- 2026
- Expected First Flight
- 2027
- Features
- Stealth, advanced avionics, hybrid design
- Roles
- Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, combat
- Weapons
- Air-to-air missiles, DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW)
- Design
- Composite structure, internal weapon bay