Raphe mPhibr just raised $100 million in a Series B round led by General Catalyst. The Indian drone startup is scaling up R&D and local production to meet growing demand for military and border surveillance drones.
The Noida-based company, founded by siblings Vikash and Vivek Mishra, makes nine drone models. Payloads range from 4.4 to 441 pounds, covering 12 to 124 miles. Products include the mR10 drone swarm, the mR20 for high-altitude resupply, the X8 maritime patrol drone, and the lightweight Bharat drone for quick terrain surveillance.
All customers are Indian government agencies like the Army, Navy, Air Force, and armed police forces. 
Raphe has expanded its facility from 2,000 to 650,000 square feet. The startup builds most components in-house — flight controllers, batteries, drone bodies, autopilots, and navigation systems. It plans to produce radars and high-end cameras within 18 months. The company avoids Chinese parts, dodging supply chain issues.
“From day one, we have been against the transfer of technology,” Vivek Mishra told TechCrunch.
“The biggest challenge was setting up the facility and doing research,” he added. “Doing research in India is slightly more expensive compared to the U.S… getting the machinery, installation, and commissioning is a challenge… finding the people who can operate these is hard.”
Raphe uses AI for object detection, adaptive frequency switching, and UAV swarm intelligence. The startup recently partnered with Germany’s Hensoldt, France’s Safran, and Dassault Systèmes for sensor and software development.
They plan to expand overseas, already engaging in defense air shows in Dubai and Paris. Export licenses are underway.
“There are very advanced talks happening with a few government agencies across the world, and very soon, hopefully, this year, we will start delivering there as well,” Vivek said.
Raphe has sold over 300 drones in 12 months and grew revenue 4x over four years. It has been profitable each year and aims to go public in 2-5 years. The startup employs around 600 staff, with 150 focused on research and 250 on production. Total funding to date: $145 million.
Image Credits: Raphe mPhibr
