Apollyon Dynamics Drone Ahuti Mk II Sets Record at 498 Kmph in Hyderabad

A defence technology startup incubated at BITS Pilani Hyderabad has developed an electric multirotor interceptor drone that clocked a top speed of 498 kmph, entering the India Book of Records as the fastest multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle recorded in India.

The interceptor drone, named Ahuti Mk II, was developed by Apollyon Dynamics. According to the company, the recorded speed exceeds the previous Indian drone record of approximately 325 kmph by more than 170 kmph.

Jayant Khatri, founder of Apollyon Dynamics, stated that the drone underwent extensive redesigns to reach the record-breaking speed. The development process involved approximately 10 iterations across its frame, propulsion systems, and motor configuration to meet the demands of a high-speed interceptor.

Khatri noted that the startup spent nine months, from December to August, working specifically to attain the 498 kmph milestone. The company had previously supplied kamikaze drones capable of reaching 300 kmph to the Indian Army.

Unlike traditional multirotor UAVs that are primarily engineered for payload transport, hovering, and flight stability, Ahuti Mk II is built specifically to hunt and rapidly close distances against incoming aerial targets.

The strategic focus on high speed was driven by evolving trends in modern aerial warfare. Khatri pointed out that the growing deployment of low-cost Shahed-class drones in recent international conflicts served as a key operational factor behind the development of high-speed interceptor systems.