Indian Drone Startup Raphe mPhibr Secures $100M to Boost Military UAV Production
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Raphe mPhibr, an Indian drone startup, has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by General Catalyst, with participation from existing investor Think Investments. The all-equity investment will support enhanced R&D and expanded local manufacturing to meet rising demand for military drones used in battlefield operations and border surveillance. Drones have become critical in global military strategies, exemplified by their extensive use in the recent India-Pakistan conflict, prompting India to increase its drone budget to $470 million over the next 12 to 14 months, according to the Drone Federation of India. While China leads global drone production, Raphe mPhibr aims to bolster India’s domestic capabilities. Founded in 2017 by brothers Vikash Mishra (chairman) and Vivek Mishra (CEO) in Noida, the startup offers nine drone models with payloads from 4.4 to 441 pounds and ranges between 12 and 124 miles. Its portfolio includes the mR10 drone swarm, mR20 for high-altitude logistics, X8 for maritime patrol, and Bharat for rapid surveillance in challenging terrains. The company serves over 10 Indian government clients, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and forces like the Border Security Force. The Mishra brothers began conceptualizing Raphe mPhibr in 2016 while studying at MIT and Georgia Tech, initially focusing on defense needs and environmental challenges. Starting with multicopters, they expanded to fixed-wing and VTOL aircraft. “From day one, we have been against the transfer of technology,” Vivek told TechCrunch, emphasizing in-house development. From a 2,000-square-foot research facility in 2017, Raphe mPhibr has grown to a 650,000-square-foot research and manufacturing hub following the recent funding. The company produces flight controllers, batteries, drone structures, autopilots, and navigation systems domestically, though it imports radars and high-end cameras, aiming for in-house production within 18 months. Notably, Raphe avoids Chinese components to mitigate supply chain risks. Vivek highlighted challenges in establishing research infrastructure in India, including machinery acquisition and skilled labor shortages, which the company addressed through employee training. Raphe integrates AI for surveillance, electronic warfare adaptability, and decentralized swarm intelligence. The startup has partnered with Germany’s Hensoldt, France’s Safran for sensor development, and Dassault Systèmes for software simulations. It is also pursuing international expansion, participating in defense air shows in Dubai and Paris, with export licenses secured and advanced talks with global government agencies for deliveries expected in 2025. Raphe mPhibr has sold over 300 drones in the past year, achieving up to 4x revenue growth over four years and maintaining profitability. With 600 employees—150 in R&D and 250 in production—the company has raised $145 million in total equity funding and plans to go public within two to five years.
