In a landmark development for India’s aerospace and defence sector, homegrown drone and aircraft systems manufacturer Raphe mPhibr has secured USD 100 million (~INR 855 crore) in its Series B funding round. Led by General Catalyst, with Think Investments, Amal Parikh and several high-net-worth family offices, this is the largest private capital raise in the Indian drone industry to date.
This new round of funding takes Raphe mPhibr’s total funding to USD 145 million (~ INR 1,240 crore) and will be used to scale manufacturing, accelerate R&D and deepen strategic partnerships, both domestic and global.
A Quiet Giant Steps Into the Light
Founded in 2016 and registered in 2017, the Noida-based company had been operating under the radar, delivering UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) systems to Indian defence forces while building a vertically integrated aerospace ecosystem. The company has now emerged from stealth, revealing the scale of its operations and ambition following its headline-making raise.
What sets Raphe mPhibr apart from its peers is its end-to-end control over UAV manufacturing — from proprietary autopilots and internal combustion engines to carbon fibre composites, avionics, and even custom wire harnesses. All this is developed in-house, with minimal reliance on imports, particularly from China — a strategic decision aligning with India’s national goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
From MIT and Georgia Tech to Defence Frontlines
The company was conceptualised by brothers Vikash Mishra (an MIT-trained aerospace engineer) and Vivek Mishra (a robotics and controls expert from Georgia Tech). Along with co-founder Nitin Katiyar, they have built Raphe mPhibr into a formidable defence tech player.
The startup has delivered drones that have now logged over one million kilometres in flight. Its high-performance platforms include:
- mR10: The world’s first operational drone swarm
- mR20: A high-altitude logistics UAV for resupply in difficult terrains
- Bharat: A man-portable, lightweight drone for rapid surveillance
- X8: A compact maritime reconnaissance and patrol platform
These systems have seen real-world deployment across varied terrains — from deserts to Himalayan altitudes — and are in use by the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces including the BSF, CRPF, and ITBP.
Operation Sindoor: A Catalyst for Growth
Raphe mPhibr’s rise to public prominence was catalyzed by its participation in Operation Sindoor, an Indian military strike in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The operation reportedly saw Raphe’s UAVs conducting precision strikes on Pakistani targets. The success of these missions spurred a significant uptick in military demand for domestic drones, with orders reportedly crossing 300 units in the last 12 months alone.
Following the operation, the Indian Army placed fresh orders for suicide drones and other UAV platforms, validating Raphe mPhibr’s indigenous technological capabilities.
Indigenous Innovation, Global Aspirations
From a modest 2,000 sq. ft. R&D facility in 2017, Raphe mPhibr has now scaled up to a 6,50,000 sq. ft. integrated manufacturing campus — among the largest such setups in the Indian private sector. The facility supports metal processing, composites fabrication, electronics assembly, SMT lines, and engine testing labs — all under one roof.
In a notable technological leap, Raphe developed India’s first internal combustion engine designed specifically for UAVs. “Existing engines were either too heavy, too expensive, or underperforming,” said CEO Vivek Mishra. “So we built our own. We didn’t just shrink existing designs — we reimagined the architecture to suit long-endurance UAV needs.”
Global Partnerships, Export Horizons
Raphe mPhibr has partnered with global aerospace majors like Dassault Systèmes, Safran Electronics & Defense (France) and HENSOLDT (Germany) to co-develop sensor systems, software simulations and avionics.
Having participated in international defence expos in Paris, Dubai and London, the company has got some export licenses and is in advanced talks with foreign governments. It wants to be a key player in the global UAV supply chain and take Indian defence manufacturing beyond borders.
Talent Magnet and IP Powerhouse
With over 600 employees, of whom 150 are dedicated to research and over 250 to manufacturing, Raphe mPhibr stands as a magnet for Indian and foreign aerospace talent. Many engineers and scientists have reportedly returned from the U.S. and Europe to join its ranks, reflecting the growing allure of India’s deep-tech ecosystem.
The company has developed over 100 unique IPs, covering avionics, propulsion, materials, and AI-driven drone swarms. Its AI capabilities enable autonomous object detection, frequency-hopping under electronic warfare and decentralised decision making across drone swarms.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Sustainably
With this USD 100 million (~INR 855 crore) investment, Raphe mPhibr plans to expand monthly drone production to over 450 units, including 150 high-altitude logistics drones. It is also building capacity to manufacture high-end radars and imaging systems domestically within the next 18 months.
While the company is reportedly valued near USD 900 million (~INR 7,696 crore), Vivek Mishra notes, “We are not chasing unicorn status. Our focus is on value creation, not valuation.”
A New Chapter in India’s Defence Story
Raphe mPhibr’s meteoric rise is emblematic of a broader shift in India’s strategic posture — from importer to innovator. Its end-to-end approach to manufacturing and commitment to indigenous R&D has set a new benchmark in Indian aerospace.
As drones become the defining instruments of modern warfare and surveillance, companies like Raphe mPhibr are ensuring that India not only keeps up but also leads from the front. For more information related to IPO GMP, SEBI IPO Approval, Live Subscription, stay tuned to IPO Central.