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Sandeep Pratap Singh
Written By Sandeep Pratap Singh
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After the success of Operation Sindoor, India is moving fast to strengthen its strike power. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has begun building the CATS Hunter Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), a key part of its Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program. 

This new missile will use advanced engines, artificial intelligence, and swarm technology, making it a powerful and cost-effective weapon for the Indian Air Force in the coming years.

India’s CATS Hunter ALCM Set for Carriage Trials by 2026

After the success of Operation Sindoor, India is moving fast to strengthen its strike power. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has begun building the CATS Hunter Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), a key part of its Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program. 

This new missile will use advanced engines, artificial intelligence, and swarm technology, making it a powerful and cost-effective weapon for the Indian Air Force in the coming years.

After the success of Operation Sindoor, which highlighted India’s precise strike abilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has increased the pace of its Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program. 

At the center of this program is the CATS Hunter Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). HAL has already started metal cutting and fabrication work for the missile, marking a big step forward in its development.

Development Timeline

  • Carriage trials: Mid-2026

  • Developmental trials: 2027

  • Production: Around 2030

The missile will run on an upgraded PTAE-7 engine (earlier used in Lakshya target drones), now fitted with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) for better fuel use, thrust control, and reliability.

What is the CATS Hunter ALCM?

The CATS Hunter is part of HAL’s broader Combat Air Teaming System, which combines manned and unmanned aircraft for more effective combat.

  • Inspired by European cruise missiles like the SCALP/Storm Shadow

  • Stealthy and subsonic, designed to fly low and hug the terrain to avoid radar detection

  • Range: 200–300 km

  • Warhead: 250 kg, capable of striking high-value, well-defended targets

  • Unique feature: It is recoverable using a two-stage parachute system, meaning it can return after the mission—saving costs and allowing reuse.

Trials and Platforms

Prototypes are being prepared for carriage trials in 2026. These trials will check:

  • Aerodynamics

  • Structural strength

  • Compatibility with aircraft

The missile will be tested on Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and even the upcoming CATS Warrior UCAV.

Testing and Production

Since this is a complex system, HAL is unlikely to get production clearance before 2030. Trials in 2027 will test:

  • Stealth design

  • Navigation systems (GNSS and TERCOM)

  • Imaging seeker for automatic target detection in the final attack phase

AI and Swarm Capabilities

One of the biggest game-changers in the CATS Hunter is its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the Air Combat Intelligence Development (ACID) project.

  • The missile can change its target mid-flight if it detects a more valuable one.

  • It can operate in swarms, coordinating with other missiles.

  • If one missile destroys a target, the others can reassign themselves to different targets automatically.

This makes the Hunter far more flexible and effective compared to traditional cruise missiles.

Although the program has a long road ahead, HAL’s push after Operation Sindoor shows India’s strong intent to build advanced stand-off strike capabilities. 

The CATS Hunter, with its mix of stealth, AI, swarm features, and cost-effective reusable design, could become a revolutionary asset for the Indian Air Force by 2030.



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