Drone-Maker Raphe mPhibr Raises $100M in Landmark Round to Boost Aircraft Design & Production in India
Defence-tech startup Raphe mPhibr secures $100 million funding led by General Catalyst—India’s largest private capital raise in aerospace—bringing total investment to $145M. Funds to expand design, R&D & manufacturing for UAVs & aircraft
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Raphe mPhibr, a Noida-based aerospace and defence-tech startup, has raised $100 million in an all-equity Series B round led by General Catalyst, with participation from Amal Parikh, Think Investments, and several HNIs. This marks the largest private funding in India’s drone and aerospace manufacturing sector, boosting the company's total capital to $145 million.
The stakes are high: Raphe mPhibr will invest the funds in expanding its end-to-end aircraft design and manufacturing campus in India—including R&D, metal and composite processing, electronics, and engine testing facilities.
This scale-up strengthens India's strategic self-reliance in defence, aligning with “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat policies.
Founded in 2016, Raphe mPhibr has achieved remarkable milestones:
Operational drone swarm – the world’s first (mR10)
High-altitude logistics UAV (mR20)
Lightweight surveillance drone (Bharat)
Maritime patrol platform (X8)
Most units are already deployed by the Indian armed forces and paramilitary units.
The startup also manufactures military-grade autopilots and lightweight internal combustion engines in-house.
Raphe mPhibr’s partnerships include Dassault Systèmes, HENSOLDT, and Safran, integrating advanced simulation, sensor, and avionics tech into its aerospace solutions'.
The startup is also exploring overseas markets via existing pilots and airshows in Paris, Dubai, and London.
With over 600 employees and 100+ proprietary IPs, Raphe mPhibr is scaling its manufacturing footprint and R&D teams—fueled by the new capital and deep-tech partnerships.
Represents a milestone investment in India’s aerospace domain—both financially and technologically.
Enables indigenous development of advanced UAVs and other aerial platforms under a sovereign aerospace ecosystem.
Provides a strong competitive alternative to global suppliers, reinforcing India’s defence manufacturing sovereignty.
With its record-breaking $100M Series B, Raphe mPhibr positions itself as a pivotal force in India's drone and aircraft manufacturing landscape—deepening its technological leadership and securing India’s place on the global defence-tech map.
