Indian Drone Startup Raphe mPhibr Secures $100M to Boost Military UAV Production

Indian drone manufacturer Raphe mPhibr has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round to advance its research and production of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), driven by surging demand for drones in battlefield operations and border surveillance. Led by General Catalyst, the investment highlights India’s push to strengthen its domestic drone industry amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Growing Military Demand for Drones

Drones have become critical in modern warfare, offering rapid infiltration and precise strikes. The recent India-Pakistan conflict showcased their importance, with both nations deploying UAVs extensively despite advanced fighter jets and missiles. This prompted India to triple its drone budget to $470 million over the next 12–14 months, according to the Drone Federation of India. Raphe mPhibr, founded in 2017 by brothers Vikash and Vivek Mishra, is positioning itself to meet this demand by supplying drones to Indian government agencies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Security Force.

Advanced Drone Portfolio

Raphe mPhibr offers nine drone models with payloads from 4.4 to 441 pounds and ranges between 12 and 124 miles. Key models include the mR10 drone swarm for coordinated operations, the mR20 for high-altitude logistics, the X8 for maritime patrol, and the Bharat for lightweight surveillance in rugged terrain. The company produces its own flight controllers, batteries, and structural components like carbon fiber composites at its 650,000-square-foot facility in Noida, India.

“From day one, we have been against the transfer of technology,” CEO Vivek Mishra told TechCrunch, emphasizing the company’s focus on in-house innovation.

The startup also integrates AI for object detection, frequency band switching in electronic warfare, and swarm intelligence for decentralized decision-making. While it currently imports radars and high-end cameras, Raphe plans to manufacture these domestically within 18 months, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

Scaling Production and Global Ambitions

The $100 million funding, with participation from Think Investments, will expand Raphe’s research and manufacturing capabilities. Starting with a 2,000-square-foot facility in 2017, the company now operates a massive production hub.

“The biggest challenge was setting up the facility and doing research,” Vivek Mishra said, noting difficulties in sourcing machinery and skilled operators in India.

Raphe has overcome these by training its 600-strong workforce, with 150 focused on R&D and 250 on production.

The company is also eyeing international markets, having showcased its drones at air shows in Dubai and Paris.

“There are very advanced talks happening with a few government agencies across the world,” Mishra revealed, with export deliveries expected in 2025.

Partnerships with Germany’s Hensoldt, France’s Safran, and Dassault Systèmes are enhancing its sensor and simulation capabilities.

Industry and Economic Impacts

Raphe mPhibr’s growth reflects India’s broader effort to reduce dependence on foreign drone manufacturers, particularly China, which dominates the global market. By producing critical components locally, Raphe avoids supply chain vulnerabilities. Its 4x revenue growth over four years and profitability signal strong economic potential, with plans for a public listing within two to five years. The company’s focus on AI-driven drones positions it to meet evolving military needs, from surveillance to logistics, while its export ambitions could boost India’s presence in the global defense sector.

With over 300 drones sold in the past year and a $145 million funding total, Raphe mPhibr is well-placed to capitalize on the rising demand for military UAVs, both in India and beyond.

Photos courtesy of Raphe mPhibr /EDR Magazine / Joseph Roukoz / X.