A Bengaluru-based startup, AquaAirX, has unveiled one of India’s first amphibious drones, the Avataar, capable of operating both in the air and underwater. Designed by co-founders CEO Gouthami and CTO Jitendra Kumar Purnmal Saini—alumni of Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology—the drone has completed pool trials and independent platform tests, demonstrating seamless transitions between aerial and underwater operations. Open-water testing is currently underway.
The Avataar can carry payloads up to 10 kg, fly approximately 175 nautical miles (around 145 km), and remain operational for about five hours. Its modular payloads can include ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) sensors, sonar, and acoustic systems, making it suitable for both defence and commercial missions.
The startup envisions defence applications such as maritime surveillance and tactical operations, where the drone could fly from shore, dive underwater to avoid detection, and re-emerge to complete missions. The platform has attracted attention from the Indian Navy and is part of the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) programme. The founders expect a fully operational drone within six to eight months.
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Commercially, the Avataar could transform marine and aquaculture monitoring, offshore infrastructure inspection, and other industries that currently rely on boats or remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). By combining aerial and underwater capabilities, operational costs could be reduced by up to 70%.
The venture has secured funding from investors including Rainmatter, Wyser, India Accelerator, and Prime Venture Partners to accelerate research, development, and deployment of the drone by the end of 2026.
This project positions India at the forefront of next-generation unmanned systems, bridging the gap between aerial drones and underwater vehicles while opening new possibilities for defence and commercial applications.
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