Indian Startup's Drone Hits Record 498 km/h Speed

A defense tech startup born in a college incubator just shattered India's drone speed record, clocking an electrifying 498 km/h with its interceptor aircraft. Apollyon Dynamics, based in Hyderabad, earned a spot in the India Book of Records while creating what may be South Asia's fastest multirotor drone.

Founded in 2025 by BITS Pilani students Jayant Khatri and Sourya Choudhary, the company started with humble beginnings. Khatri received a Rs 2 lakh SOLVE grant that bought his first 3D printer and motors for a prosthetics project. That seed money planted the foundation for building high-performance military drones that now serve the Indian Army.

The record-breaking Ahuti Mk II interceptor drone represents a massive leap forward in just months. Engineers Aman Virani, Manas Vichare, and Ishaan Suri evolved the design from the original Ahuti prototype, which reached around 300 km/h earlier in 2025. The new version nearly doubled that speed through relentless testing and refinement.

The drone isn't just about breaking records. Ahuti Mk II is designed to intercept hostile drones and loitering munitions at high speeds, protecting against emerging aerial threats. The company already supplies platforms to the Indian armed forces and has ambitious plans ahead.

Why This Inspires

This story shows how the right support at the right time can transform student ideas into national achievements. From a college hostel room to the India Book of Records, Apollyon Dynamics proves that young engineers can solve real defense challenges when given resources and encouragement.

The BITS Pilani Technology Business Incubator played a crucial role in nurturing this deeptech venture. Professor V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, celebrated how their academic ecosystem translates engineering dreams into working defense applications that matter.

Khatri views the speed milestone as validation of their engineering approach and team effort. Choudhary emphasized that reaching 498 km/h required sustained dedication to develop and test an entirely new class of unmanned platform.

The company isn't stopping here. By 2030, Apollyon Dynamics plans to develop a Power Cruise Missile platform that combines speed, autonomy, scalability, and cost efficiency. Their roadmap suggests India's defense tech ecosystem is just getting started.

From a small grant to serving the military in under a year, this startup shows what happens when innovation meets opportunity and determination meets support.