A high-speed unmanned aircraft developed for countering aerial threats has achieved a certified speed of 498 kmph, marking a major milestone for Hyderabad-based defence startup Apollyon Dynamics.
The company’s Ahuti Mk II, an electric multirotor interceptor, has been recognised by the India Book of Records for the maximum speed achieved by a multirotor UAV, according to Apollyon Dynamics.
Unlike conventional drones used for surveillance, photography or carrying payloads, Ahuti Mk II was developed specifically to intercept hostile drones and loitering munitions. Its objective is to close the distance to aerial threats as quickly as possible.
The platform evolved from the original Ahuti, which reached around 300 kmph in 2025. Instead of modifying the earlier aircraft, the team rebuilt it for the interceptor role. In less than 1 year, the certified top speed increased 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,” said co-founder Sourya Choudhary.
The startup said the system was developed in response to the increasing use of relatively low-cost drones and loitering munitions, including Shahed-class systems. Its approach combines speed, autonomy and cost efficiency to address such threats without relying only on significantly more expensive defence systems.
The record-setting aircraft was developed by Aman Virani (known as “Shady”), Manas Vichare and Ishaan Suri. Virani, a high-speed drone pilot, contributed to flight testing and development, with the company highlighting the role of both engineering and practical piloting expertise.
Apollyon said it has already fielded unmanned systems with Indian Army units. Its long-term roadmap includes developing a Power Cruise Missile platform by 2030.
Operating under the motto “Precision is Mercy”, the company says its aim is to use unmanned systems in high-risk first-contact situations and reduce personnel exposure.
Apollyon also said that, based on currently available public data, no other multirotor aircraft in South Asia has matched or exceeded 498 kmph. However, this remains the company’s assessment and is not an independently established global record.
The startup is incubated at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus and was incorporated in 2025.
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