In a significant advancement for India’s aerospace sector, Kalam Labs has accomplished a historic flight of a fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), reportedly reaching an altitude of 9,790 meters above mean sea level (AMSL) in the Himalayas. This achievement may set a world record for the highest flight by a sub-2-meter wingspan drone weighing under 4 kilograms.
The groundbreaking flight, announced recently, saw the UAV launched from an altitude of 2,700 meters, ascending over 7,000 meters despite encountering some of the most challenging flying conditions globally. Rigorous temperatures dropped to an astonishing -60°C, with wind speeds surpassing 50 km/h and a dramatic 73% reduction in atmospheric pressure during the ascent. Notably, the drone operated without any real-time human intervention, entirely guided by its onboard artificial intelligence and sophisticated navigation systems.
Kalam Labs reported that the UAV was entirely developed in-house, incorporating ultra-light composite materials, an energy-efficient propulsion mechanism, and advanced thermal management technologies. These innovations empowered the drone to function effectively in near-stratospheric conditions, an environment typically reserved for more substantial and expensive aircraft.
Dr. Priya Sharma, the lead engineer at Kalam Labs, hailed the mission as a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards self-reliance. She emphasized, “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.”
This achievement highlights the increasing significance of Indian startups in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, particularly in developing dual-use technologies. With projections suggesting that India’s drone industry could reach $23 billion by the year 2030, Kalam Labs’ groundbreaking success is poised to have far-reaching implications across both civilian and military sectors.
The lightweight nature of the UAV, classified under 4 kg, facilitates easier compliance with regulatory standards, making it ideal for diverse civilian applications such as agricultural mapping, environmental assessments, and emergency response scenarios. Its high-altitude capabilities could be especially advantageous for defense forces, providing a cost-effective alternative for surveillance in high-altitude conflict areas, including Ladakh.
This accomplishment follows the increased deployment of drones by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where UAVs played an essential role in detecting and neutralizing hostile drone threats. The success of Kalam Labs’ high-altitude drone is expected to enhance existing platforms like the Heron and MQ-9 Reaper, thus strengthening India’s surveillance operations across challenging terrains.
Kalam Labs’ innovation signifies not just a technological breakthrough but also a strategic asset, solidifying India’s position as a significant contender in the evolving landscapes of aerial warfare and civilian UAV applications.
