In a move that blends legacy aircraft with cutting-edge warfare technology, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has started converting its retired Kiran MkII jet trainers into advanced control platforms for unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). The plan is part of India’s expanding focus on manned-unmanned teaming, a key element in future air combat strategy.
From Trainer to Tactical Commander
The Kiran MkII was once a backbone of pilot training for the Indian Air Force, first flying in the 1970s and retiring from active use in the early 2000s. Today, it's being reimagined not for training, but for tactical command roles under the umbrella of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), a HAL-led initiative aimed at building a family of autonomous drones that work alongside fighter jets.
HAL plans to use the modified Kiran as a "mothership" to control and test the CATS Warrior, an unmanned aerial combat vehicle designed for surveillance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes.
Flight Trials and Technical Details
The first test flight of a modified Kiran was completed in January 2025, focusing on basic systems. A more advanced trial is set for early 2026, when the aircraft will be used to test secure communications and mission control functions for UCAV deployment.
- Second cockpit repurposed into a command station
- Equipped with secure data links and AI-assisted mission systems
- Can switch between human-piloted and autonomous modes
- Supports "pilot-in-the-loop" configurations for remote ground control
This hybrid setup allows HAL to simulate real-world drone command scenarios in a controlled way before fielding a fully autonomous system.
CATS Warrior: India’s Drone Gamechanger?
The CATS Warrior is designed as a low-observable, semi-autonomous drone that can fly ahead of a manned aircraft, gather intelligence, jam enemy systems, or even carry out limited strikes. HAL’s current timeline suggests that its taxi trials could begin after Aero India 2025, with a first flight possible by the end of 2026.
A successful ground engine test in early 2025 has already cleared a key hurdle. HAL is also working on increasing the UCAV's thrust-to-weight ratio. One proposal includes a joint effort with Rolls-Royce to develop a lightweight turbofan engine capable of generating over 3.4 kN thrust per unit.
Strategic Value of Manned-Unmanned Teaming
What HAL is attempting here isn’t just an aircraft upgrade — it’s a leap into the future of network-centric warfare. Manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) is now considered essential in modern air combat, offering the following advantages:
- Reduces risk to human pilots by sending drones into dangerous zones first
- Allows better coordination across air missions using real-time data sharing
- Supports multi-role tasks like reconnaissance and strike with fewer platforms
- Enables dynamic retasking of drones mid-flight
By converting an existing platform like the Kiran, HAL is saving both time and resources while building toward an operational ecosystem that could be deployed within the next 2–3 years.
How India Compares Globally
India is not alone in this strategy. Countries like the U.S. (with the Skyborg program) and Australia (with Boeing's Loyal Wingman) are already testing fighter-drone coordination. However, India's approach is unique in using an older jet platform to accelerate testing.
What sets the CATS program apart is its indigenous focus. From airframes to AI mission software, most of the development is being handled by Indian agencies such as HAL, DRDO, and CAIR (Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics).
Final Thoughts
The reimagining of the Kiran MkII represents more than just a platform upgrade. It’s a window into India’s long-term defence planning, where traditional limitations are being turned into technological springboards. By combining legacy infrastructure with modern systems, HAL is helping fast-track India's position in the next phase of aerial warfare.
As the CATS Warrior moves toward full-scale trials and engine upgrades, the humble Kiran might quietly become one of the most important enablers in India's airpower evolution.
Disclaimer: This article is an original write-up based on publicly available information. No proprietary content has been reused or reproduced. Please refer to official defence agencies for direct quotes and project timelines.
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