The Noida-based startup is quietly becoming a cornerstone of India’s next-gen defence tech ambitions.
In a major milestone for India’s defence and aerospace sector, Raphe mPhibr has raised $100 million in a funding round led by General Catalyst, marking the largest-ever private capital raise in India’s aerospace manufacturing sector.
The round also saw participation from Think Investments, Amal Parikh, and several strategic family offices, taking Raphe mPhibr’s total funding to $145 million.
A Strategic Bet on India’s UAV Capabilities
Founded nearly a decade ago by brothers Vivek Mishra (CEO) and Vikash Mishra (Chairman), Raphe mPhibr has quietly built one of the most advanced drone manufacturing operations in India. The company’s suite of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) includes:
- mR10: A drone swarm platform designed for coordinated missions.
- mR20: A high-altitude logistics drone for extreme terrains.
- Bharat: A man-portable reconnaissance system for real-time surveillance.
- X8: A compact maritime patrol drone for naval use.
Several of these systems are already being fielded by Indian defence forces, while others are in the final stages of validation.
Vertical Integration as a USP
What sets Raphe mPhibr apart is its end-to-end control of the production process. The company operates a vertically integrated aerospace campus in Noida, housing in-house teams specializing in aerodynamics, materials science, thermal engineering, and AI-powered drone software.
This vertical model reduces supply chain friction, shortens R&D cycles, and gives Raphe mPhibr the flexibility to innovate at pace — a key factor that appealed to investors.
“We are proud to join forces with Raphe mPhibr on their transformative journey to redefine engineering-led manufacturing across critical applications,” said Neeraj Arora, Managing Director at General Catalyst. “The products emerging from this company are already making a tangible impact on the ground.”
The Bigger Picture: India’s Private Aerospace Surge
This deal reflects more than just investor confidence in one startup — it signals a broader shift in India’s defence landscape. With growing geopolitical tensions and the increasing role of drones in modern warfare, New Delhi is actively promoting private-sector innovation in defence.
Raphe mPhibr’s funding comes on the heels of:
- India’s push to privatize satellite launch technologies, including a major transfer to HAL.
- The government’s iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) program to support high-potential startups.
- A string of new drone procurement plans announced by the Ministry of Defence.
365247 Media Insight
This isn’t just a funding story — it’s a signal that India’s drone manufacturing capabilities are entering a new era. Raphe mPhibr is positioning itself not just as a supplier to the Indian military, but as a potential global player in autonomous defence technology.
The $100M raise doesn’t just reflect financial backing — it’s a strategic validation of a company that could help shape the next generation of warfare.
