Apollyon Dynamics Drone Hits Stunning 498 kmph Speed
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad-based defence startup Apollyon Dynamics has developed an electric multirotor interceptor that can reach a certified top speed of 498 kmph, as reported by DC.
The achievement has earned the company recognition in the India Book of Records for the highest speed recorded by a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), according to Apollyon Dynamics. Telangana Today also reported the feat on September 1.
The Ahuti Mk II is not a conventional surveillance or photography drone. Apollyon designed it specifically as a high-speed interceptor to rapidly pursue hostile drones and loitering munitions, co-founder Jayant Khatri told Deccan Chronicle.
The team developed the aircraft from scratch for this role. The original Ahuti had reached about 300 kmph in 2025.
In less than a year, Apollyon increased the certified top speed by nearly 200 kmph, or around 66%.
“Speed isn’t a spec sheet number for us. It’s the difference between a threat neutralised and a threat that got through. A speed of 498 km/h means we win that race,” co-founder Sourya Choudhury said.
Startup focuses on speed, autonomy and cost efficiency
Apollyon said the growing use of low-cost drones and loitering munitions, including Shahed-class systems, influenced the Ahuti Mk II’s design.
The company sees a growing challenge for defence forces: how to counter relatively inexpensive aerial threats without relying solely on far more expensive systems.
Apollyon’s approach combines high speed, autonomous capability and cost efficiency.
The startup also evaluates the cost of delivering capability over a given distance. It does not treat speed or technical performance as standalone measures.
Team behind the record-setting interceptor
Aman Virani, known as “Shady”, Manas Vichare and Ishaan Suri developed the record-setting aircraft.
Virani, a high-speed drone pilot, also took part in flight testing and development.
Apollyon said it has already fielded unmanned systems with Indian Army units. The company’s long-term roadmap includes a Power Cruise Missile platform by 2030.
The startup operates under the motto “Precision is Mercy.” It says its unmanned systems aim to handle high-risk first-contact situations while reducing personnel exposure.
Apollyon claims South Asia speed benchmark
Apollyon said no other multirotor aircraft in South Asia has matched or exceeded 498 kmph, based on currently available public data.
However, this remains the company’s assessment and does not establish an independently verified global record.
The startup is incubated at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus and was incorporated in 2025. BITS Pilani has separately identified Apollyon Dynamics as a student-led defence startup founded by Jayant Khatri and Sourya Choudhury.
