Drone News

From College Dorm to Defence Frontline: 20-Year-Old Founders Deliver UAVs to Army

Posted by

Pradipta V Mukherjee

July 23, 2025

On July 23, 2025

By providing the Indian Army with indigenous combat drones and kamikaze UAVs, a startup started by two students from BITS Pilani in Hyderabad has made a significant foray into the country’s defense industry. The co-founders confirmed on Tuesday that the deliveries were made just two months after the business started up. The UAVs were provided to Indian Army units in Jammu, Chandimandir (Haryana), Panagarh (West Bengal), and Arunachal Pradesh.

Jayant Khatri, a student of mechanical engineering from Ajmer, and Sourya Choudhury, a student of electronics engineering from Kolkata, co-founded the business, which was called Apollyon Dynamics. The goal of the startup, which was founded in a dorm room, was to lessen India’s dependency on foreign drone technology. Early in April, the co-founders’ mutual interest in robotics and unmanned aerial systems gave rise to the idea for Apollyon Dynamics.

The startup has created a full range of aerial platforms, such as high-precision kamikaze systems, tactical payload delivery drones, and long-range surveillance UAVs. With remarkable accuracy, one of its flagship kamikaze drones can carry up to 1 kg of payload while flying at speeds of over 300 km/h. In its class, it is thought to be among the most effective systems.

The co-founders explained that the drones were built for multi-role tactical operations, including targeted payload delivery in hostile terrain, precision kamikaze strikes, and nighttime surveillance. According to them, Apollyon Dynamics was formally incorporated in mid-May, and work on the flagship kamikaze system, as well as cutting-edge platforms for delivery and surveillance, started right away.

A successful live demonstration in Chandigarh in late May helped to formalize the company’s induction into the Indian defense supply chain. During the demonstration, the drones’ agility, speed, and durability were demonstrated. Following this incident, several Army units confirmed receiving orders after being impressed by the UAVs’ performance in the field.

Every drone system is entirely designed, tested, and constructed in-house by Apollyon Dynamics, which has maintained a strong emphasis on domestic production. Durability, dependability, and adaptability to Indian terrain and mission conditions have all been given top priority.

To make sure that even people without any prior flying experience can operate the UAVs efficiently, the startup is also offering soldiers practical training programs. To further improve operational reach and mission flexibility, a team of almost ten engineers is also working on next-generation fixed-wing UAVs and vertical take-off and landing platforms.

Pradipta V Mukherjee

CEO, Mavdrones

Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.