Indian drone innovator Raphe mPhibr raises $100 million in Series B funding to accelerate R&D and boost local production amidst rising demand for military and border surveillance drones. This milestone marks a significant step for the Noida-based startup as it aims to strengthen India’s indigenous drone industry and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Drones are rapidly transforming modern military operations worldwide. Recent conflicts, including the India-Pakistan war, highlight their strategic importance. Both nations deployed drones on a large scale for reconnaissance and strikes, despite possessing advanced fighter jets and missile systems. The conflict prompted India to triple its drone spending, with the government increasing its budget to $470 million over the next year and a half. This surge underscores the growing role of drones in border security and battlefield tactics.
While China dominates global drone manufacturing, Raphe mPhibr is committed to elevating India’s domestic capabilities. Founded in 2017 by siblings Vikash Mishra (Chairman) and Vivek Mishra (CEO), the startup has rapidly developed a diverse portfolio of nine drones. These include payloads from 4.4 pounds to 441 pounds, with operational ranges from 12 to 124 miles. Notable models include the mR10 drone swarm, the mR20 for high-altitude logistics, the X8 maritime patrol platform, and the Bharat lightweight drone designed for quick surveillance in complex terrains.
Raphe mPhibr’s primary clients are Indian government agencies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and specialized police forces such as the Border Security Force and Indo-Tibetan Border Police. The company’s roots trace back to the Mishra brothers’ time at MIT and Georgia Tech, where they began conceptualizing drone solutions tailored to Indian defense needs. Their focus shifted from understanding operational requirements to building multicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and VTOL drones, combining research and manufacturing to create customized solutions.
Starting with a modest 2,000-square-foot research lab, Raphe expanded to a 100,000-square-foot facility, and now operates a state-of-the-art 650,000-square-foot facility thanks to the recent funding boost. This expansion ensures the company’s capacity to innovate and produce domestically. Unlike many competitors, Raphe mPhibr emphasizes self-reliance, manufacturing all critical components such as flight controllers, batteries, and drone structures locally, with plans to produce radars and high-resolution cameras in-house within 18 months.
Vivek Mishra highlights that the company consciously avoids dependency on Chinese components, strengthening India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem. Challenges such as infrastructure costs and technical talent shortages have been addressed through dedicated training programs, ensuring skilled personnel to operate advanced machinery and develop proprietary technology.
Innovation is at the core of Raphe mPhibr’s strategy. The drones incorporate AI-powered features like object detection, electronic warfare adaptability, and swarm intelligence for decentralized decision-making. Recent collaborations with global defense giants like Germany’s Hensoldt, France’s Safran, and Dassault Systèmes focus on sensor development and software simulation, positioning the company for international growth.
Raphe mPhibr is eyeing global markets, having showcased its offerings at defense expos in Dubai and Paris. The company holds export licenses and is actively engaging with international clients and government agencies, aiming to start deliveries abroad soon.
In the past year alone, Raphe mPhibr sold over 300 drones and has experienced up to fourfold revenue growth over the last four years. The company has been profitable throughout this period and expects to go public within the next two to five years. With approximately 600 employees—including 150 in R&D and over 250 in manufacturing—Raphe mPhibr is poised to be a major player in India’s burgeoning drone industry and beyond.
This recent funding round not only fuels innovation but also cements India’s position in the global drone landscape, as the nation ramp up efforts to develop cutting-edge, self-reliant defense technology for the future.
