Noida-based defence startup Raphe mPhibr raises $100 million in a
landmark funding round led by General Catalyst, solidifying its
position as a leader in India’s aerospace and defence-tech sector.
Discover how this investment fuels innovation, strengthens India’s
self-reliance, and positions Raphe mPhibr on the global stage.

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Introduction

In a historic milestone for India’s aerospace industry, Noida-based
defence-tech startup Raphe mPhibr has secured $100 million in an
all-equity Series B funding round, the largest private capital raise
for an aircraft manufacturer in the country. Led by General Catalyst,
with participation from existing investors like Amal Parikh, Think
Investments, and prominent family offices, this investment brings
Raphe mPhibr’s total funding to $145 million and values the company at
nearly $900 million. This achievement underscores India’s growing
prowess in indigenous defence technology and aligns with the nation’s
Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

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Raphe mPhibr: Pioneering Indigenous Drone and Aerospace Solutions

Founded in 2016 by brothers Vikash Mishra (Chairman) and Vivek Mishra
(CEO), alongside Nitin Katiyar, Raphe mPhibr has emerged as a
trailblazer in India’s defence-tech ecosystem. The startup specializes
in designing and manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),
autonomous aircraft systems, and military-grade avionics, catering to
the evolving needs of India’s security forces. With a focus on
end-to-end manufacturing, Raphe mPhibr operates a state-of-the-art
650,000-square-foot aerospace campus in Noida, housing advanced
facilities for aerodynamics, materials science, electronics, and
engine testing.

The company’s product portfolio includes cutting-edge drones such as:

mR10: The world’s first operational drone swarm platform, enabling
coordinated missions.
mR20: A high-altitude logistics drone capable of carrying up to 20 kg,
ideal for challenging terrains.
Bharat: A lightweight, man-portable surveillance drone for rapid
deployment in complex environments.
X8: A compact maritime patrol system for situational awareness at sea.

These systems are already deployed by the Indian Army, Navy, Air
Force, and paramilitary units like the Border Security Force and
Central Reserve Police Force, showcasing Raphe mPhibr’s critical role
in enhancing India’s defence capabilities.

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The $100 Million Funding: A Game-Changer for India’s Aerospace Sector

Announced on June 26, 2025, the $100 million funding round marks a
significant step toward scaling Raphe mPhibr’s research, development,
and manufacturing capabilities. The investment will support:

Expansion of Manufacturing: Upgrading the Noida facility to enhance
production of UAVs, military-grade electronics, and carbon fiber
composites.
R&D Advancements: Developing next-generation technologies, including
AI-driven swarm intelligence, indigenous autopilots, and hypersonic
propulsion systems.
Global Market Penetration: Strengthening Raphe mPhibr’s presence in
international markets, with participation in global defence air shows
like those in Dubai and Paris.
Strategic Partnerships: Deepening collaborations with global leaders
like Hensoldt (Germany), Safran (France), and Dassault Systèmes for
advanced sensors and software simulations.

Neeraj Arora, Managing Director at General Catalyst, praised Raphe
mPhibr’s mission-driven approach, stating, “The products emerging from
Raphe mPhibr are already making a tangible impact on the ground,
signaling what we believe will be a monumental shift.”

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Why This Funding Matters for India’s Defence Ecosystem

The $100 million investment comes at a pivotal time for India’s
defence sector, as global demand for military UAVs surges amid
evolving warfare dynamics. Recent conflicts, including India-Pakistan
skirmishes, have highlighted the strategic importance of drones for
surveillance, logistics, and combat operations. The Indian
government’s commitment to invest $470 million in UAVs over the next
12 to 24 months further underscores the sector’s growth potential.

Raphe mPhibr’s focus on indigenous innovation positions it as a key
player in reducing India’s reliance on foreign defence systems,
particularly from dominant players like China. The startup’s
vertically integrated approach—producing everything from flight
controllers to carbon fiber composites in-house—sets it apart from
competitors like IdeaForge, Garuda Aerospace, and Tata Advanced
Systems.

Key achievements that highlight Raphe mPhibr’s impact include:

Revenue Growth: The company reported Rs 86 crore in revenue for FY24,
doubling from Rs 42 crore in FY23, with consistent profitability over
the past four years.
Operational Scale: Over 300 drones sold in the past 12 months and 1
million+ kilometers flown across India since 2017.
Innovative Technology: Development of India’s first military-grade
autopilot and lightweight internal combustion engine for UAVs.
Global Recognition: Partnerships with international firms and
contracts like the Indian Navy’s iDEX Aditi 1.0 Challenge for
hypersonic propulsion systems.

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Aligning with India’s Vision of Self-Reliance

Raphe mPhibr’s growth aligns seamlessly with India’s Aatmanirbhar
Bharat and Make in India initiatives, which aim to foster indigenous
manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign technology. The
startup’s refusal to rely on technology transfers and its investment
in in-house R&D reflect a commitment to building solutions “by India,
for India, and the world.”

The company’s philosophy, inspired by the ancient Indian mathematician
Aryabhata, emphasizes observing natural patterns to create innovative
solutions. With over 600 employees, including 150 dedicated to R&D,
and more than 100 proprietary IPs, Raphe mPhibr is driving India’s
aerospace innovation forward.

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Global Ambitions and Future Outlook

Raphe mPhibr is not just a domestic success story; it’s poised to
compete on the global stage. The startup has already secured export
licenses and is eyeing markets beyond India, with its drones gaining
attention at international defence exhibitions. Its partnerships with
global firms like Hensoldt for MIMO radar technology and Safran for
sensor development highlight its technological prowess.

Looking ahead, Raphe mPhibr plans to:

Manufacture radars and high-end cameras in-house within 18 months,
further reducing reliance on imports.
Expand its workforce and R&D capabilities to develop next-generation
UAVs and hypersonic technologies.
Go public within the next two to five years, signaling strong
confidence in its growth trajectory.

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Conclusion

Raphe mPhibr’s $100 million funding round is a landmark achievement
for India’s aerospace and defence-tech sector, reinforcing the
country’s commitment to self-reliance and innovation. By scaling its
manufacturing, advancing R&D, and forging global partnerships, Raphe
mPhibr is not only strengthening India’s defence capabilities but also
positioning itself as a global leader in UAV technology. As the
startup continues to innovate, it’s clear that Raphe mPhibr is soaring
to new heights, both in India and beyond.

For the latest updates on India’s defence-tech advancements, stay
tuned to Masala Mirror.

Keywords: Raphe mPhibr, $100 million funding, India aerospace, defence
startup, General Catalyst, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, UAVs,
drones, Noida startup, Indian defence, military drones.

Meta Description: Noida-based Raphe mPhibr secures $100M in funding,
the largest private round for an Indian aircraft manufacturer. Learn
how this defence-tech startup is revolutionizing UAVs and driving
India’s self-reliance.