The Indian Navy and HAL are progressing with the Navy Combat Air Teaming System (N-CATS), a carrier-capable Loyal Wingman UCAV designed to operate alongside naval fighter aircraft. Featuring stealth characteristics, folding wings, enhanced payload capacity, and autonomous carrier operation capability, the platform is expected to extend surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike capabilities for future carrier air wings. The system represents a significant step toward integrating unmanned combat aircraft into naval aviation while supporting manned-unmanned teaming concepts for maritime operations.
