On June 26, 2025, Indian drone startup Raphe mPhibr announced it has raised $100 million in a funding round led by General Catalyst, with participation from Amal Parikh, Think Investments, and several high-net-worth family offices. This marks the largest private funding round ever secured by an Indian drone company and brings its total capital to $145 million
1. Valuation Soars to $890 Million
This new infusion places Raphe mPhibr at a valuation of $890 million, reflecting confidence in its ambitious roadmap in drone and aircraft manufacturing.
2. Funding Will Fuel In-Country Manufacturing
The funds will help Raphe scale its aircraft design and manufacturing capabilities within India—directly supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector
3. Strengthens R&D and Strategic Partnerships
Earlier in 2025, Raphe mPhibr partnered with Hensoldt to co-develop MIMO radar landing-aid systems, showcasing its growing role in advanced avionics research
4. Expanding Product Portfolio
The company’s offerings now include cargo drones, swarm UAVs, and cutting-edge military drones—unveiled at shows like Aero India and Dubai Airshow idrw.org.
5. Proven Operational Capability
Raphe’s tech is already in use with the Indian Army, Navy, and paramilitary forces, and they’ve even secured contracts under initiatives like iDEX Aditi to build hypersonic (ramjet) propulsion systems
6. Leader in Drone Self-Reliance
With a full in-house ecosystem—carbon-fiber composites, additive manufacturing, electronics, engines—Raphe is driving India’s goal of achieving defence tech independence
✅ What This Means for India and the Global Drone Market
- Strengthening India’s Strategic Edge: More local manufacturing reduces reliance on foreign vendors for UAVs and aerospace tech.
- Boosting Private Sector Defence Innovation: A serious vote of confidence in startups pushing frontier technologies like hypersonic engines and radar systems.
- Catalyst for Ecosystem Growth: The record funding could attract more investors and talent to India’s drone-tech space.
