HAL’s LCA Tejas: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will present its Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) at Aero India 2025, from February 10 to 14, at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore. This biennial aerospace exhibition serves as a major platform for showcasing advancements in military and civilian aviation.
CATS aims to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities by integrating manned aircraft with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to Indian defense news, the system uses the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as a mothership to control autonomous drones, including the CATS-Warrior, a low-observable unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). This allows for coordinated operations that reduce pilot risk during high-stakes missions.
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HAL’s LCA Tejas
HAL is also preparing for advancements in its LCA Tejas and helicopter projects in 2025. Production for the LCA Tejas is ramping up with multiple assembly lines, and HAL is set to supply Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to the Indian Army and Air Force to replace aging fleets. These initiatives align with India’s focus on defense self-reliance.
India’s Defense Sector Boost
The Indian government is investing heavily in defense manufacturing to make the country more self-reliant. As per Marksmen Daily in 2025, the defense budget will increase by 30%, from ₹6.30 lakh crore in 2024-25 to ₹8.5 lakh crore. This will benefit Indian defense companies like HAL and BHEL.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL), the country’s largest power equipment manufacturer, is expanding into the defense sector as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. BHEL is using its manufacturing expertise to enter areas like aerospace and defense, while also securing orders for electric buses and battery storage systems.
The company is also forging partnerships with global firms to support local manufacturers, bosting its expansion in defense.
Features of CATS include:
- Autonomous Operations: The CATS-Warrior can operate autonomously up to 700 km from the mothership in contested airspace, performing reconnaissance and target engagement roles.
- Deep Strike Capabilities: It can strike targets up to 350 km away using precision-guided munitions, strengthening the IAF’s deep-strike capabilities.
- Collaborative Development: HAL has worked with organizations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private companies to accelerate the development of CATS. A successful engine ground run of the CATS-Warrior prototype was recently completed ahead of its Aero India unveiling.
CATS comes at an important moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is facing challenges with an aging fleet and fewer squadrons. The system will help strengthen the IAF’s combat readiness while more advanced aircraft, such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and upgraded TEJAS models, are being developed.
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Aero India 2025 Highlights:
- Aerial Displays: Spectacular performances from military and civilian aircraft.
- Exhibitions: Showcasing cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies.
- Networking Opportunities: Providing a platform for industry professionals to connect and explore collaboration.
HAL’s showcase of CATS at Aero India 2025 is expected to generate significant interest from both domestic and international defense communities, hopefully leading to new partnerships and export opportunities.
