SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian aerospace innovation, Kalam Labs, a cutting-edge startup, has successfully flown a fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with an under-2-meter wingspan to an unprecedented altitude of 9,790 meters above mean sea level (AMSL) in the Himalayas. Launched from an altitude of 2,700 meters, this sub-4-kilogram drone has potentially set a world record for the highest flight by a UAV of its size, defying extreme conditions including temperatures as low as -60°C, winds exceeding 50 km/h, and a 73% drop in atmospheric pressure.
The feat, announced by Kalam Labs on June 29, 2025, marks a significant milestone for India’s indigenous drone technology, showcasing the potential of lightweight, high-altitude UAVs for both civilian and defense applications. The flight, conducted in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, underscores the capabilities of Indian startups in pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
According to Kalam Labs, the UAV was designed and built entirely in-house, weighing less than 4 kilograms and featuring a wingspan under 2 meters. Launched from a base altitude of 2,700 meters, the drone ascended over 7,000 meters to reach 9,790 meters AMSL, navigating extreme environmental challenges. The temperature plummeted from +20°C at the launch site to -60°C at peak altitude, while winds surpassing 50 km/h tested the UAV’s stability and aerodynamic design. The 73% drop in atmospheric pressure further complicated flight dynamics, requiring advanced engineering to maintain propulsion and control.
“This is a testament to what Indian innovation can achieve,” said Dr. Priya Sharma, lead engineer at Kalam Labs, in a statement shared with The Indian Express. “Our UAV’s ability to operate autonomously in such harsh conditions opens new possibilities for high-altitude surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster response in regions like the Himalayas.” The drone’s fully autonomous operation, guided by onboard AI and advanced navigation systems, eliminated the need for real-time human intervention, a critical feature for missions in remote or hostile environments.
The Himalayan flight highlights the unique challenges of high-altitude operations. At 9,790 meters, the UAV operated in near-stratospheric conditions, where thin air and extreme cold demand exceptional engineering. Kalam Labs’ success is attributed to its lightweight composite materials, energy-efficient propulsion, and robust thermal management systems, which allowed the drone to withstand -60°C temperatures and high winds. The 73% drop in atmospheric pressure—a critical factor affecting lift and battery performance—was mitigated through precise aerodynamic design and advanced flight control algorithms.
This record-breaking flight positions Kalam Labs as a key player in India’s burgeoning drone industry, which is projected to reach $23 billion by 2030, according to industry reports. The UAV’s sub-4kg weight aligns with India’s drone regulations, enabling easier certification for civilian applications such as aerial mapping, agriculture, and disaster management. However, its high-altitude capabilities also make it a potential asset for defense applications, including border surveillance along India’s northern frontier, where high-altitude UAVs are critical for monitoring contested regions like Ladakh.
The achievement comes at a time when India is intensifying efforts to develop indigenous defense technologies. The Indian Army and Air Force have increasingly relied on drones for reconnaissance and combat, as seen during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where UAVs played a pivotal role in countering Pakistani drone incursions. Kalam Labs’ UAV, with its ability to operate at altitudes rivaling larger platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper, could complement existing systems while offering a cost-effective, domestically built alternative.
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