UAV manufacturing startup Raphe mPhibr has so far raised $145 million (over Rs 1,200 crore)
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Noida, June 27, 2025 — In a landmark moment for India’s defense-tech landscape, Noida-based drone manufacturer Raphe mPhibr has secured a staggering $100 million in a Series B funding round led by General Catalyst, marking the largest private capital raise in the country’s aerospace sector. With a total of $145 million raised to date, the startup’s success is fueled by its pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, where its drones proved their prowess in India’s response to a deadly terror attack. This massive investment signals a new era for indigenous drone technology, positioning Raphe mPhibr to meet soaring military demand and compete globally. Here’s how this game-changing funding and the company’s bold vision are set to transform India’s defense capabilities.
Operation Sindoor: A Turning Point for Indian Drones
Raphe mPhibr’s drones took center stage during Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes against Pakistani targets following a tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The company’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) delivered missile strikes with pinpoint accuracy, showcasing their reliability in high-stakes missions. This success sparked a surge in interest from the Indian military, with the Army recently ordering 450 suicide drones from a competitor and now eyeing hundreds more from Raphe mPhibr. The operation highlighted the critical role of homegrown drone technology in modern warfare, cementing Raphe’s reputation as a trusted defense partner.
$100 Million to Fuel Innovation and Scale
The $100 million funding round, led by U.S.-based General Catalyst and supported by existing investors like Amal Parikh and Think Investments, brings Raphe mPhibr’s total capital to over Rs 1,200 crore ($145 million). “This was our Series B round, a major step to support the increase in capacity for our research and manufacturing,” CEO Vivek Mishra told NDTV. The funds will supercharge the company’s sprawling 650,000-square-foot facility in Noida, which houses cutting-edge departments for aerodynamics, structural mechanics, materials science, and electronics. This investment will drive the development of next-generation UAVs, including drone swarms and high-altitude logistics drones, tailored for India’s unique defense needs.
Building from Scratch: The Power of Indigenous Design
Raphe mPhibr’s approach is rooted in self-reliance, aligning with India’s “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Unlike many manufacturers that rely on imported components, Raphe designs and builds everything in-house—from flight controllers and batteries to carbon fiber composites and proprietary autopilots. A standout example is their creation of India’s first indigenous internal combustion engine for a long-endurance drone. “We needed an engine, but anything in the market was too expensive, too heavy, or didn’t meet performance needs. So we designed and manufactured one ourselves,” Mishra explained. This engine, optimized for size, weight, and performance, underscores Raphe’s commitment to crafting solutions for India’s specific requirements.
A Vision Born a Decade Ago
Founded in 2016 by brothers Vivek and Vikash Mishra, Raphe mPhibr started in a modest 2,000-square-foot lab but has grown into a powerhouse with over 600 employees and 100 unique intellectual properties. “From day one, our vision was to build a strong research and manufacturing capability in India,” Mishra said. The company’s portfolio includes nine military-grade drones, such as the mR10 drone swarm platform, the mR20 high-altitude logistics UAV, the Bharat surveillance drone, and the X8 maritime patrol system. These platforms, already deployed by Indian defense forces, are designed for surveillance, logistics, and combat, with several undergoing validation for new markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Competing with China and Attracting Global Talent
Mishra believes India can challenge China’s dominance in global drone manufacturing by building a robust ecosystem for design, development, and production. “The key is to focus on research and manufacturing to create unique products for India’s unique needs,” he said. Raphe’s full-stack approach—developing everything from structures to software in-house—sets it apart. The company has also partnered with global giants like Germany’s Hensoldt and France’s Safran for sensor technologies and Dassault Systèmes for simulation software, boosting its capabilities while maintaining sovereignty.
The funding also signals a homecoming for Indian talent. Mishra noted a growing trend of engineers and scientists returning from the U.S. and Europe to work in India’s burgeoning drone sector. “If you give people work that’s exciting, especially for engineers, they’ll come. We’re seeing Indians who’ve worked abroad for 15 years joining us, along with others eager to contribute,” he said. With plans to localize radar and camera manufacturing within 18 months, Raphe is creating opportunities that could draw even more expertise to India.
A Bright Future for India’s Defense-Tech
The $100 million infusion positions Raphe mPhibr as a global contender in defense technology. Valued at nearly $900 million, the company reported Rs 86 crore in revenue and Rs 9 crore in profit for FY24, doubling its previous year’s earnings. With plans for an IPO in the next two to five years, Raphe is scaling fast to meet India’s growing drone demand, estimated at $470 million over the next 12 to 24 months. “Raphe mPhibr is uniquely positioned to emerge as a top-tier aerospace company,” said Shashin Shah of Think Investments, echoing the optimism of investors like General Catalyst’s Neeraj Arora, who praised the company’s “transformative journey” in redefining engineering-led manufacturing.
As India triples its drone spending amid rising geopolitical tensions, Raphe mPhibr’s record-breaking funding marks a pivotal moment. With its battlefield-tested drones and ambitious plans, the startup is not just strengthening India’s defense but also carving a place for the country on the global aerospace stage.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on public statements from Raphe mPhibr, General Catalyst, and media reports.
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