In a landmark achievement for India's defense tech sector, Noida-based drone manufacturer Raphe mPhibr has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round. This funding, led by General Catalyst, marks the largest-ever fundraise by an Indian aerospace manufacturer, bringing the company's total capital to over $145 million (approximately Rs 1,200 crore).
Raphe mPhibr, founded by brothers Vivek Mishra (CEO) and Vikash Mishra (Chairman), specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military applications. The company has gained significant attention following its pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, where its drones were deployed to strike terror and military targets in Pakistan, showcasing their battlefield capabilities.
The fresh capital is set to fuel Raphe mPhibr's expansion plans, focusing on scaling up domestic drone production and enhancing research and development. With growing national security concerns and increasing demand for indigenous military solutions, the startup is poised to meet an impending order from the Indian Army, further solidifying its position in the defense sector.
Raphe mPhibr has already achieved notable milestones, including logging over 1 million kilometers of flight and developing India's first indigenous military-grade autopilot and lightweight internal combustion engine. These innovations underscore the company's commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
The funding round comes at a time when global demand for military UAVs is soaring, with India emerging as a key player in the aerospace and defense technology space. Raphe mPhibr's success is seen as a defining moment for the country's ambitions to become a leader in indigenous defense manufacturing.
As Raphe mPhibr continues to grow, industry experts believe this investment will pave the way for more Indian startups to innovate in the defense tech arena, reducing reliance on foreign technology and strengthening national security infrastructure.
Andrew Lee
