In a landmark moment for India’s growing private aerospace and defence-tech sector, Noida-based startup Raphe mPhibr has raised $100 million in a funding round led by General Catalyst. This is the largest-ever private capital infusion in India’s aerospace manufacturing space, signaling a new era of innovation, indigenous capability, and investor confidence in deep-tech defence ventures.
In this article, we will delve into Raphe mPhibr’s record-breaking $100 million funding round, its cutting-edge UAV technologies, and how the startup’s rise reflects India’s growing ambitions in the aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Credits: Tech Funding News
Investor Confidence in a High-Stakes Sector
Alongside General Catalyst, the funding round saw participation from Think Investments, Amal Parikh, and a consortium of prominent family offices. With this fresh injection, Raphe mPhibr’s total capital raised now stands at $145 million, placing it in a league of elite defence startups on the global stage.
The timing is no coincidence. The investment comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions and increased reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare. The recent India-Pakistan skirmishes have underlined how critical drone technology is becoming to military strategy and border surveillance.
From Family-Led Venture to Strategic Defence Partner
Raphe mPhibr was founded nearly a decade ago by sibling duo Vivek Mishra (CEO) and Vikash Mishra (Chairman). What began as an ambitious R&D-led venture has matured into one of India’s most significant UAV manufacturers.
Their product line reads like the future of modern combat:
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mR10: A sophisticated drone swarm platform designed for coordinated autonomous missions.
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mR20: A high-altitude logistics drone capable of operating in challenging terrain.
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Bharat: A compact, man-portable surveillance drone tailored for field operations.
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X8: A nimble maritime patrol UAV system meant for naval deployments.
According to the company, several of these systems are already being actively deployed by Indian defence forces, with others in advanced stages of validation. Raphe mPhibr’s growing role in national defence has made it a standout among a wave of new-age defence tech startups.
A Vertically Integrated Powerhouse
What truly sets Raphe mPhibr apart—and what convinced investors—is its vertically integrated model. The company has built a dedicated aerospace campus where it develops everything in-house: from aerodynamics and thermodynamics to material science and embedded systems.
This full-stack approach eliminates reliance on foreign suppliers, ensuring supply chain security and speed—critical factors in defence tech manufacturing.
Neeraj Arora, Managing Director at General Catalyst, emphasized this in a statement:
“We are proud to join forces with Raphe mPhibr on their transformative journey to redefine engineering-led manufacturing across a spectrum of critical applications… The products emerging from Raphe mPhibr are already making a tangible impact on the ground.”
Riding the Wave of India’s Defence Reforms
The mega funding round also aligns seamlessly with India’s policy thrust to privatize and energize its aerospace and defence sectors. Initiatives such as iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and the recent transfer of satellite launch technology to HAL are designed to make room for agile, innovation-led private players.
Raphe mPhibr’s success is being seen as a proof point that these reforms are working—and that Indian startups can play on the global stage in sectors traditionally dominated by state-run enterprises and foreign OEMs.
Credits: Moneycontrol
Conclusion: India’s Drone Champion Takes Flight
With $100 million in fresh capital, a cutting-edge UAV portfolio, and government endorsement, Raphe mPhibr is now uniquely positioned to become a global leader in tactical drone solutions. The startup embodies the promise of Indian deep-tech: indigenous innovation, strategic relevance, and scalability.
As defence needs evolve rapidly in a volatile world, the company’s rise could well mark a new chapter for India’s aerospace ambitions—one where homegrown startups don’t just support defence capabilities but lead them.
