Noida-based defence tech startup Raphe mPhibr has raised a staggering $100 million in Series B funding, making it the largest private capital infusion in India’s growing drone sector. The round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from investors like Amal Parikh, Think Investments, and several high-net-worth family offices. This latest round pushes the startup’s total funding to $145 million.

Capital to Power ‘Make in India’ Ambitions

The company plans to use the new funding to accelerate research and development while boosting local manufacturing capabilities. This comes at a time when military demand for drones is skyrocketing, with India expected to triple its drone spending to $470 million in the coming year, primarily driven by border surveillance and defence modernisation.

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From MIT to Battlefield Innovation

Founded in 2017 by brothers Vikash and Vivek Mishra—while they were still students at MIT and Georgia Tech—Raphe mPhibr initially focused on understanding the real-world operational needs of the Indian defence forces. Over time, they developed a diverse drone lineup, including multicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and VTOL platforms.

Fleet Built for Real Missions

Today, Raphe mPhibr offers nine drone platforms with payloads ranging from around 2 kg to 200 kg and operational ranges spanning 20 km to 200 km. The company's portfolio includes swarm drones like the mR10 for coordinated missions, the high-altitude mR20 for logistics, the X8 designed for maritime operations, and the man-portable “Bharat” drone for surveillance.

Vertically Integrated & China-Free

One of Raphe mPhibr’s most defining traits is its full-stack, in-house manufacturing. From flight controllers and batteries to airframes and navigation systems, everything is built domestically. The company is currently working toward producing its own radars and high-resolution cameras within the next 18 months—an effort that will eliminate any dependence on Chinese components.

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Battling Tech & Talent Challenges

Setting up state-of-the-art manufacturing in India hasn’t been easy. Delays in equipment procurement, installation hiccups, and the lack of trained professionals posed significant hurdles. To overcome these, Raphe mPhibr invested heavily in internal training and building talent pipelines.

Swarming AI & Global Tech Partnerships

The company integrates AI into its drones for features like automatic target recognition, adaptive radio frequency switching, and decentralised swarm coordination. It also collaborates with several European defence and aerospace leaders for advanced simulation and sensor integration.

Export Focus & IPO Plans

Raphe mPhibr has begun showcasing its UAV technology at major defence expos in Dubai and Paris and already holds initial export licenses. Over the last year, it sold more than 300 drones, recorded 4x revenue growth over four years, and has remained profitable throughout. The company is also preparing for a potential IPO within the next two to five years.

Raphe mPhibr’s $100 million Series B round is more than just a financial milestone—it signals India’s rising capabilities in high-tech defence manufacturing. With a robust drone portfolio, cutting-edge AI integration, and ambitious global plans, this startup is taking flight at just the right time.