AquaAirX Autonomous Systems launches Avataar, India's first amphibious drone

Key facts

• Bengaluru-based startup AquaAirX Autonomous Systems launched Avataar, India's first amphibious drone capable of both aerial and underwater missions, on March 5, 2026.
• The drone has achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), meaning a functional prototype has been tested in real-world operational environments rather than just controlled tanks.
• The startup secured ₹12.5 crore in seed funding for the project, led by Rainmatter, the investment arm of Zerodha.
• Avataar is constructed with a carbon fibre body to resist saltwater corrosion and uses sound pulses for 3D mapping and communication underwater, functioning like an underwater Wi-Fi system.
• The vehicle is designed for multi-domain operations, including harbour surveillance, subsea pipeline inspection, and search and rescue for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
• The drone features a safety protocol that prevents it from diving if the battery level is too low to ensure mission reliability.