Hyderabad-based defence technology startup Apollyon Dynamics has etched its name into the history books by setting a new national record for drone speed, achieving an astonishing 498 kmph with its indigenously developed interceptor drone, the Ahuti Mk-II . This remarkable feat, which was officially recognized by the India Book of Records, marks a significant leap forward for the country’s indigenous drone capabilities and establishes a new benchmark for multirotor speed in India, far surpassing the previous recorded benchmark of 325 kmph .
The record-breaking test flight underscores the startup’s rapid ascent within the defence sector and highlights the immense potential of student-led innovation emerging from Indian academic institutions. Ahuti Mk-II is not just a testament to raw speed; it is a sophisticated piece of engineering designed for a critical modern warfare role: countering incoming aerial threats. Most conventional multirotor drones are built for stability, hovering, and carrying payloads, but the Ahuti Mk-II has been meticulously engineered to close in on hostile targets at blistering speeds . This development was partly driven by the changing dynamics of drone warfare, including the growing use of inexpensive but dangerous Shahed-class drones in recent conflicts, where a fast-response interceptor becomes an invaluable asset .
To achieve this phenomenal velocity, the startup undertook a comprehensive overhaul of the drone’s design. The frame, propulsion system, and motor configuration underwent approximately ten iterations, a process that spanned from December of the previous year until August, leading to the final high-performance configuration . The drone’s capability is further underscored by its immense power draw, capable of handling a current of 400 amperes to achieve such speeds, and its development has been supported by rigorous testing at military firing and operational ranges, including facilities at Babina and Gopalpur .
The journey of Apollyon Dynamics is a classic underdog story of ambition and execution, having started from the dorm rooms of BITS Pilani Hyderabad . Founded by two then-20-year-old engineering students, Jayant Khatri and Sourya Choudhury, the startup has rapidly evolved from a student drone racing initiative into a mission-critical supplier of advanced UAV systems to India’s security forces . Operating without initial funding or guarantees, the founders built high-speed kamikaze drone prototypes and demonstrated them directly to the Indian Army, a bold move that paid off and led to the official founding of the company in 2025 .
Today, Apollyon Dynamics operates with a dedicated team and full in-house manufacturing capabilities, delivering a range of products, including trainer drones, autonomous UAVs, and high-velocity kamikaze systems . The company’s success with high-speed drones is a direct result of its deep engineering focus and persistence, transforming a student project into a tangible national security asset. The Ahuti Mk-II’s record is a culmination of this journey, with founder Jayant Khatri noting that the company began working on this specific, faster interceptor version in December to address operational needs, with the final design being perfected through persistent iteration and testing .
Beyond its pursuit of speed, Apollyon Dynamics is making significant contributions to India’s defence readiness by focusing on manufacturing and logistics. The startup has developed a Mobile Drone Manufacturing Lab for the Indian Army, a fully equipped unit built inside an Army truck that can produce over 100 FPV (First-Person View) drones per month . This innovative facility is designed as a moving workshop, deployable wherever required, and is already operational in Jammu . It enables soldiers to assemble, repair, and prepare drones just kilometers from active combat zones, incorporating a 3D printer for drone frames, assembly stations, and a ground control unit . This capability allows frontline personnel to manufacture drones and replace damaged equipment within hours instead of waiting days or weeks for supplies from distant production facilities, significantly reducing supply chain dependence and improving tactical adaptability .
This mobile lab is a game-changer for frontline operations, and officials have noted that such facilities currently exist only in countries like Russia and Ukraine, making this a significant milestone for India’s defence infrastructure . Soldiers have been trained to build and modify drones based on real-time battlefield feedback, and the Army has issued an appreciation letter acknowledging the lab’s quality and performance . This focus on operational efficiency aligns with the startup’s core philosophy of making counter-drone technology more affordable, using an internal metric called “strike envelope per rupee” to measure how much capability they can deliver for a given cost .
Building on its early successes, Apollyon Dynamics is also looking toward the future with even more ambitious projects. The startup is currently working on the Nightshade ADX-1, a jet-powered strike drone designed to fly at speeds of up to 700 km/h, showcasing its relentless pursuit of innovation in aerial combat . The company has also demonstrated its versatility by showcasing the “Pralaya” surveillance drone for the Indian Coast Guard in Haldia, West Bengal, where it proved its mettle as a high-performance maritime asset in challenging waters, leading to strong interest from the Coast Guard for future co-development . In a testament to its growing reputation, the startup has also attracted strategic backing from leading spacetech companies, including Agnikul Cosmos, Dhruva Space, and Skyroot Aerospace . From a hostel-room project to setting a national record and equipping the Indian Army with cutting-edge technology, Apollyon Dynamics exemplifies the new wave of Indian defence innovation, driven by young engineers who are building advanced, homegrown solutions for the nation’s security needs.
