UAE's new Sea Drone lands on water to enhance surveillance and emergency response.

At IDEX 2025, the UAE-based company Advanced Integrated Technology (AIT), a subsidiary of Streit Group, introduced the Sea Drone, a quadcopter drone designed for operations in adverse weather conditions. Capable of landing on water, the drone is resistant to snow, rain, salt fog, and fine dust, allowing for deployment in maritime and desert environments. The system is intended for cargo delivery and territory monitoring, providing operational capabilities in various scenarios.
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With customizable payloads, the Sea Drone can be deployed in security operations, coastal monitoring, and disaster response scenarios. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Sea Drone is equipped with multiple payload options to support different functions. These include a loudspeaker system, a Wingsland Z15 flashing light, a ball drop system for fire extinguishing, a mobile cellular station, and a lifebuoy casting system designated MSS SSI-9D-L. It also integrates the KURSIR search engine, enabling search operations in case of crashes. These features allow the drone to be used for civilian and security applications, such as emergency response operations and reconnaissance missions.

The Sea Drone has a flight time of up to 30 minutes and a payload capacity of up to 5 kg. It reaches a maximum flight speed of 60 km/h and operates in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 40°C. The drone can achieve a flight altitude of up to 2,000 meters and withstand wind speeds of up to 15 meters per second. This drone measures 1,750 mm in width, 1,750 mm in length, and 745 mm in height, ensuring compact deployment and maneuverability.

The Sea Drone features IP67-rated protection, making it capable of operating in extreme environmental conditions, including after sandstorms or in high-salinity coastal areas. This differentiates it from several UAVs that require additional protective measures to function in such conditions. With customizable payloads, it can be deployed in security operations, coastal monitoring, and disaster response scenarios. Its capacity to operate in extreme temperatures and high wind speeds makes it suited for conditions where conventional UAVs may face performance limitations.

Similar waterproof quadcopter drones have been used across multiple industries due to their ability to operate in difficult conditions. In search and rescue missions, particularly during floods or maritime emergencies, these drones can cover large areas, locate individuals, and deliver supplies without putting rescue personnel at risk. In marine research, waterproof drones are utilized for monitoring underwater ecosystems and tracking marine species while collecting environmental data. They are also used in industrial inspections, including bridge and offshore platform assessments, reducing the need for human divers in hazardous areas.

The durability and versatility of waterproof drones are attributed to their design. Sealed electronics and corrosion-resistant materials enable them to function in wet and harsh weather conditions. Flotation devices allow them to land safely on water surfaces, expanding their operational scope. Their ability to transition between aerial and aquatic environments enhances their use in missions that require both types of mobility.

Several existing models demonstrate the operational capabilities of waterproof multicopter drones, such as the SwellPro SplashDrone 4, built for all-weather use and featuring a waterproof 4K gimbal camera for imaging in wet conditions. Another example is the HexH2O Pro V2, a hexacopter that integrates aerial and underwater capabilities, making it suitable for inspections and exploration tasks.