HAL’s Indigenous Stealth Drone CATS Warrior and LUH to Steal the Spotlight at India’s Biggest Airshow

Bengaluru, India – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to take center stage at Aero India 2025, showcasing its cutting-edge indigenous products and advanced aerospace technologies at the India Pavilion. The five-day event, scheduled to begin on February 10 at Air Force Station Yelahanka, will feature HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and the CATS Warrior unmanned combat aerial vehicle as the showstoppers.

Aero India, one of Asia’s largest airshows, has long served as a platform for India to demonstrate its growing aerospace capabilities to the world. This year, HAL participated under the theme ‘Innovate. Collaborate. Lead.’ signals its commitment to pushing the boundaries of Indigenous defence manufacturing and fostering global partnerships.

Indigenous Excellence on Display

HAL’s LUH, a state-of-the-art helicopter designed for high-altitude operations, is poised to draw significant attention. With its agility, versatility, and ability to operate in extreme conditions, the LUH represents India’s push for self-reliance in rotorcraft technology. The aircraft has already completed rigorous trials, proving its mettle in mountainous terrains and harsh environments, and is expected to be a crucial asset for the Indian armed forces.

Stealing the limelight alongside the LUH is the CATS Warrior, HAL’s ambitious foray into loyal wingman drone technology. Designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets, the Warrior is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) capable of stealth missions, reconnaissance, and high-precision strikes. Developed as part of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), the Warrior represents India’s entry into next-generation air warfare, where AI-driven unmanned platforms will revolutionize combat operations.

A Powerhouse of Indian Defence Innovation

The India Pavilion at Aero India 2025 will serve as a showcase of HAL’s expertise in designing, developing, and manufacturing aircraft, helicopters, and avionics systems. Alongside LUH and CATS Warrior, the event will feature key platforms like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), and the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

Aero India is more than just an airshow; it is a battleground for defence contracts, where global aerospace giants and Indian firms engage in high-stakes discussions. With over 800 exhibits from 15+ countries, the event is expected to witness major announcements on defence deals, technology transfers, and joint ventures, further bolstering India’s self-reliance mission under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

India’s Defence Powerhouse on the Global Stage

The significance of HAL’s presence at Aero India 2025 extends beyond showcasing hardware. It reflects a shifting paradigm where India is not just a buyer but a global defence supplier. HAL has already secured export orders for its helicopters and trainer aircraft, and with its focus on indigenous fighter jets and UCAVs, the company is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the global aerospace market.

This biennial event, organized by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with HAL, DRDO, and the Department of Space, is also set to feature spectacular flyovers, aerobatic displays, and live demonstrations of some of the world’s most advanced fighter jets and helicopters. With the participation of international defence delegations, ministers, and industry leaders, Aero India 2025 will be a proving ground for India’s ambitions to dominate the global aerospace sector.

India’s Rise as an Aerospace Leader

As Aero India 2025 unfolds, HAL’s presence will be a testament to India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology. The unveiling of LUH and CATS Warrior signifies a shift from dependence on foreign platforms to developing cutting-edge indigenous solutions tailored for modern warfare.

India’s aerospace industry is no longer content with merely keeping pace—it is now setting the benchmark. And at Aero India 2025, HAL is making it clear that India’s future in aviation belongs in its own hands.