Raphe mPhibr, a leading aerospace and defence-tech startup based in Noida, has raised $100 million in an all-equity Series B round, setting a record for the largest private funding in India’s drone and aerospace manufacturing sector. The round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from Amal Parikh, Think Investments, and several high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). With this round, Raphe mPhibr’s total capital raised has reached $145 million.
According to the company, the fresh funds will be used to expand its end-to-end aircraft design and manufacturing campus in India, including investments in research and development, advanced metal and composite processing, electronics manufacturing, and engine testing facilities. This large-scale expansion aligns with India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, enhancing the country’s strategic self-reliance in defence and aerospace technologies.
Innovations Transforming India’s Defence-Tech
Founded in 2016, Raphe mPhibr has developed a range of cutting-edge UAV platforms, including:
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mR10: The world’s first operational drone swarm system.
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mR20: A high-altitude logistics unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
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Bharat: A lightweight surveillance drone.
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X8: A maritime patrol drone.
Most of these UAVs are already deployed by the Indian armed forces and paramilitary units, significantly improving India’s tactical and strategic capabilities.
In-House Manufacturing and Global Collaborations
Raphe mPhibr stands out in India’s aerospace sector by manufacturing military-grade autopilots and lightweight internal combustion engines in-house, critical for secure, sovereign aerospace supply chains.
The startup has forged strategic partnerships with Dassault Systèmes, HENSOLDT, and Safran, integrating advanced simulation, sensor, and avionics technologies into its aerospace solutions. Raphe mPhibr is also targeting overseas markets, participating in leading international airshows in Paris, Dubai, and London to showcase its capabilities.
Strengthening India’s Sovereign Aerospace Ecosystem
With over 600 employees and 100+ proprietary intellectual properties (IPs), Raphe mPhibr is leveraging the new capital to expand its R&D teams, scale production, and deepen its technological leadership in India’s rapidly evolving aerospace sector.
This milestone investment underscores India’s emergence as a key player in global aerospace and defence technology. It will enable the indigenous development of advanced UAVs and aerial platforms, provide strong alternatives to global suppliers, and support India’s vision of building a sovereign aerospace ecosystem.