CATS Hunter is a very-low-observable (VLO), standoff strike “wingman” platform being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of the broader Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) family, functioning as an air-launched cruise-missile-like standoff strike asset rather than a reusable UCAV in the traditional sense.[1]
CATS Hunter is a comparatively lightweight platform, expected to weigh around 600 kg, optimised for very-low-observable standoff strike missions launched from manned fighters. Unlike a conventional reusable combat drone, Hunter is described as an “Air-Launched Cruise Missile”-class wingman weapon, blurring the line between a loyal-wingman UCAV and a powered standoff munition.[1]
HAL has been testing a two-tier parachute recovery system through ground-drop experiments, aimed at allowing at least some Hunter variants or test articles to descend safely and be retrieved after a mission for potential reuse. Captive-carriage trials — where the platform is carried but not released from a host fighter to validate integration and separation characteristics — were expected to begin in late 2026.[1][2]
| Type | Very-low-observable (VLO) standoff strike wingman platform |
| Developer | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Weight class | ~600 kg |
| Recovery | Two-tier parachute system (in testing) |
| Launch method | Air-launched from manned fighter platforms |
| Programme family | HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) |
| Status (2026) | Captive-carriage trials expected late 2026 |