Raphe mPhibr Pvt. Ltd., an Indian drone manufacturer based in Noida, has secured $100 million in Series B funding as it seeks to meet rising demand for military and surveillance drones. The company, recognized for its emphasis on domestic manufacturing and high-strength carbon fiber composites, plans to channel this investment toward expanding its research and development and local production capacities. With increased security considerations in India and across the globe, domestic drone solutions have garnered heightened attention from both industry and government agencies. Recent shifts in the global defense sector have highlighted the importance of self-sufficient UAV ecosystems, a space where Raphe mPhibr seeks to strengthen its footing and differentiate from competitors.
Reports about Raphe mPhibr from previous years mainly focused on product launches and small-scale contracts with government agencies. Earlier funding rounds were more modest, and the firm’s market visibility was limited outside India. Recent global coverage now emphasizes its shift toward comprehensive design and domestic manufacturing, as well as ambitions to replace imported high-end components with locally produced alternatives. Industry observers note a marked uptick in India’s indigenous defense sector participation, and Raphe mPhibr’s current scale of fundraising and customer outreach underscores this change.
How Is Raphe mPhibr Developing Its Drone Technology?
Raphe mPhibr produces all of its drone batteries, flight controllers, and core components domestically in India. The drones, made from carbon-fiber composites, benefit from the company’s ability to fabricate structural elements, such as subtractive metals, thermoplastics, and customized wire harnesses. This approach enables rapid prototyping and tight quality control, supporting the company’s emphasis on in-house innovation. The firm has already created proprietary autopilots and inertial navigation systems, which contribute to a higher level of integration and adaptability in their UAVs.
Who Are the Main Clients of These Drones?
Indian government entities, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, represent the core customer base for Raphe mPhibr’s UAVs. In addition, armed police organizations such as the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police have also placed orders. The company previously relied on imported radars and high-end camera systems, but next steps involve developing these modules locally within the next 18 months to further boost self-reliance. With more than 300 drones sold in the last year and a total fleet exceeding 1,870 units, the demand from national security agencies underpins the company’s production strategy.
How Do Investors View Raphe mPhibr’s Expansion?
The latest investment round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from Amal Parikh, Think Investments, and renowned family offices in India. Investors see potential in Raphe mPhibr’s vertically integrated manufacturing capability and vision to strengthen India’s aerospace sector.
“We are excited to deepen our partnership with the Raphe mPhibr team, and this investment underscores our conviction that it will emerge as one of the foremost aerospace companies in India,”
stated Shashin Shah, managing partner at Think Investments. The cumulative equity funding for the company now amounts to $145 million, positioning it among the more heavily backed hardware startups in the Indian defense arena.
Raphe mPhibr, co-founded in 2017 by siblings Vikash Mishra and Vivek Mishra, delivers a diverse range of drones with payload capacities from 4.4 to 441 lb and ranges up to 200 kilometers. The workforce currently numbers around 600, with a significant quotient devoted to research and manufacturing, allowing the company to scale both its technology and production. Plans for an initial public offering have been suggested for within five years, coinciding with forecasts that the global military drone market could reach $22.81 billion by 2030.
As military and security agencies seek domestic alternatives for critical technologies, Raphe mPhibr’s strategic focus on self-contained manufacturing aligns with broader industry trends favoring local supply chains. The company’s roadmap to in-house production of advanced components like radars and camera systems reflects both investor expectations and governmental priorities for technological autonomy. For organizations and stakeholders following the development of unmanned aerial systems in India, key considerations involve the scalability of manufacturing, adaptability to changing defense requirements, and the ability to serve a growing base of institutional clients. Companies considering entry or expansion in this space should monitor regulatory changes, funding climate, and supply chain challenges, all of which have a material bearing on sustained innovation and competitiveness.
