British aerospace company Rolls-Royce has proposed a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to jointly develop and manufacture a new engine for the CATS Warrior, an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). This proposed collaboration aims to support India’s indigenous Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program.
Need for a More Powerful Engine
HAL is reassessing the engine requirements for the CATS Warrior drone following an increase in its maximum takeoff weight from 1.3 tons to 2.1 tons. While the current PTAE-W turbojet engines, each delivering 3.7 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, are adequate for basic operation, a more powerful propulsion system is needed to meet future performance goals.
CATS Warrior’s Role and Capabilities
The CATS Warrior, developed by HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC), is a stealth-enabled “loyal wingman” drone. It is designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets such as the Tejas, Sukhoi-30 MKI, AMCA, and TEDBF. The drone includes features like autonomous take-off and landing and was recently displayed as a full-scale model at Aero India 2025.
Plans for CATS Warrior MkII
The engine upgrade also aligns with future plans to develop the CATS Warrior MkII, a 3-ton mini-strike version of the drone. This variant is expected to feature an internal weapons bay and external hardpoints capable of carrying payloads up to 650 kilograms, including air-to-air missiles like the indigenous Astra BVRAAM.
Strategic Importance of the Rolls-Royce Partnership
A collaboration with Rolls-Royce could offer HAL vital access to advanced engine technologies and global expertise. This partnership has the potential to accelerate the development of India’s unmanned aerial systems and significantly boost its defence self-reliance, especially in the high-tech field of aero-engine manufacturing.
