In a major boost to India’s aerospace innovation, Kalam Labs has successfully flown a fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to an altitude of 9,790 meters above mean sea level (AMSL) in the Himalayas, potentially setting a world record for the highest flight by a sub-2-meter wingspan drone weighing under 4 kilograms.
The feat, announced on June 29, saw the drone launched from an altitude of 2,700 meters and ascend over 7,000 meters in some of the world’s harshest flying conditions. The flight endured freezing temperatures plunging to -60°C, wind speeds exceeding 50 km/h, and a 73% drop in atmospheric pressure—all without real-time human intervention. The drone operated entirely autonomously, guided by onboard artificial intelligence and advanced navigation systems.
According to Kalam Labs, the UAV was built completely in-house and designed with ultra-light composite materials, an energy-efficient propulsion system, and robust thermal management solutions. These innovations enabled the aircraft to function in near-stratospheric conditions, a domain typically reserved for much larger and costlier platforms.
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Dr. Priya Sharma, lead engineer at Kalam Labs, called the mission a milestone in India’s self-reliance journey. “This is a testament to what Indian innovation can achieve. 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 flight underscores the growing role of Indian startups under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, especially in dual-use technologies. With India’s drone industry projected to reach $23 billion by 2030, Kalam Labs’ breakthrough is expected to have significant implications for both civilian and military domains.
The UAV’s sub-4 kg classification also simplifies regulatory compliance, making it suitable for a variety of civilian applications including agricultural mapping, environmental studies, and emergency response. However, its high-altitude capabilities could prove particularly valuable for defense forces, offering low-cost alternatives for border surveillance in high-altitude conflict zones like Ladakh.
This achievement follows the increased use of drones by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where UAVs played a crucial role in detecting and neutralizing hostile drone incursions. The success of Kalam Labs’ high-altitude drone could complement existing platforms such as the Heron and MQ-9 Reaper, strengthening India’s surveillance capabilities across rugged and remote terrains.
Kalam Labs’ innovation is not just a technological triumph but a strategic asset, reinforcing India’s emergence as a serious player in the next generation of aerial warfare and civilian UAV applications.
