Raphe mPhibr Secures $100 Million Series B Funding: A New Era for India’s Indigenous Drone Industry

In a major milestone for India’s growing defense-tech ecosystem, Noida-based drone manufacturing startup Raphe mPhibr has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round. The round was led by General Catalyst, a leading global investor, with continued participation from existing investors such as Amal Parikh and Think Investments. This funding marks the largest-ever private investment in an Indian aerospace and defense manufacturer, pushing Raphe’s total funding to approximately $145 million.

Founded in 2016, Raphe mPhibr offers a wide range of defence-grade UAVs. (Photo: AdobeStock) | Business Standard

Operation Sindoor: Proving Ground for Indian-Made Combat Drones

The timing of this funding success coincides with Raphe mPhibr’s rising strategic importance, particularly after the much-publicized Operation Sindoor. In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian citizens, the Indian armed forces launched a precision retaliation using combat drones, many of which were built by Raphe mPhibr. These drones reportedly played a crucial role in targeting and neutralizing terrorist hideouts across the border. The mission brought public and institutional attention to Raphe’s technology, showcasing the maturity and reliability of indigenous drone warfare platforms.

Engineering Excellence Rooted in Indigenous Innovation

Founded in 2016 by Vikash Mishra, an MIT graduate, and his brother Vivek Mishra, a PhD from Georgia Tech, Raphe mPhibr started as a small research lab and has since transformed into a fully-integrated aerospace manufacturing powerhouse. Today, the company operates from a massive 650,000-square-foot facility in Noida. Unlike many players in the drone space, Raphe’s approach is firmly rooted in vertical integration—developing everything from flight controllers, engines, and batteries to avionics and navigation systems entirely in-house.

This independence from foreign supply chains, particularly China, has been a key differentiator. The company even developed its own lightweight internal combustion engine after existing commercial options failed to meet the specific requirements of weight and efficiency needed for Indian defense operations.

A Broad Portfolio Tailored for Military and Strategic Missions

Raphe mPhibr boasts a diverse lineup of nine drone platforms, each tailored for a specific strategic application. These drones cover a wide range of payload capacities, operational altitudes, and mission profiles. Some of the standout systems include the mR10, which the company claims is the world’s first operational drone swarm; the mR20, designed for high-altitude logistics resupply; and Bharat, a lightweight surveillance drone that is portable and mission-ready for field operations.

These drones are equipped with advanced features like AI-powered real-time object detection, GPS-denied navigation, and electromagnetic warfare (EW) resilience. Swarming capabilities allow multiple units to operate collaboratively, making them ideal for tactical saturation and real-time battlefield intelligence.

Post-Sindoor Surge: Rising Demand and Defense Procurement

Following the effectiveness demonstrated in Operation Sindoor, interest from the Indian defense establishment has accelerated. The Indian Army, already in the process of acquiring hundreds of loitering munitions and suicide drones, is reportedly considering large-scale procurement from Raphe. The Ministry of Defence sees homegrown UAVs not just as a tactical advantage but also as a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the government’s flagship self-reliance campaign.

Global Aspirations: Export Potential and International Alliances

While Raphe mPhibr’s primary focus has been India’s defense needs, the company is also expanding globally. Export licenses are already in place, and the firm has held discussions with several foreign governments and defense ministries. It has showcased its products at major defense expos in Paris, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, garnering interest from nations looking for reliable alternatives to Western and Chinese drone systems.

Strategic partnerships have also strengthened Raphe’s global prospects. Collaborations with Dassault Systèmes, Safran, and Hensoldt are expected to bolster its sensor technology, simulation capabilities, and flight control systems. These alliances could soon enable Raphe to emerge as a significant exporter in the global UAV market.

Financial Performance and IPO Prospects

Financially, the company has posted impressive numbers. In the past year, it has sold over 300 drones and witnessed a fourfold increase in annual revenue. Remarkably, it has remained profitable since inception—an achievement rarely seen among deep-tech startups. Raphe currently employs over 600 people, with around 150 engineers dedicated to research and development.

The newly raised funds will be used to ramp up manufacturing, accelerate R&D in areas like AI-driven avionics and swarm intelligence, and set the stage for global expansion. Looking ahead, Raphe mPhibr is exploring the possibility of a public offering within the next two to five years, signaling confidence in its financial sustainability and long-term vision.

Empowering Engineers and Reversing Brain Drain

An inspiring consequence of Raphe’s success has been the return of Indian talent from overseas. Engineers who previously worked in leading aerospace hubs across the US and Europe have returned to India, drawn by the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology with national importance. CEO Vivek Mishra has emphasized that engineers want to work on “purposeful, mission-driven problems,” and Raphe is offering exactly that.

Conclusion: A Milestone for India’s Aerospace Ambitions

The $100 million Series B funding round is not merely a business transaction; it is a defining moment in India’s emergence as a global player in unmanned aerial systems. Raphe mPhibr exemplifies the intersection of innovation, national security, and global ambition. Its success showcases how indigenous technology, when backed by vision, capital, and policy support, can rival and even surpass international counterparts.

With a combat-tested platform, deep-tech credentials, strong global partnerships, and expanding export pipelines, Raphe mPhibr is well on its way to becoming a central pillar in the future of both Indian and international defense ecosystems.

(Sources: OpIndia, Business Standard, NDTV)