UAV manufacturing startup Raphe mPhibr, whose drones took part in Operation Sindoor, has secured $100 million in a funding round led by General Catalyst. The Noida-based startup has raised a total of $145 million (over Rs 1,200 crore) in the largest ever fundraising by an Indian aerospace manufacturing firm.
Drone manufacturer Raphe mPhibr’s CEO, Vivek Mishra, told NDTV that the key to outpacing China in drone technology and market is to create a robust ecosystem for design, development, and manufacturing.”
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Citing an example from his own startup’s experience, Mr Mishra said they needed an internal combustion engine for one of their long-endurance drones, but couldn’t find an ideal one, so they ended up building one that perfectly suited their needs.
“And we were able to do it. India’s first internal combustion engine design was this. The goal was not to recreate anything, but to reduce size, weight, increase performance, and tailor it to the requirement for the UAV and hence the user,” Mr Mishra said, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles.
Raphe mPhibr proved its mettle during Operation Sindoor, when India launched strikes against Pakistan in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. Their drones fired missiles at Pakistani targets. Since then, there has been a significant increase in the Indian military’s interest in acquiring more of these systems from domestic companies.
Regarding the huge interest in Raphe mPhibr’s products following Operation Sindoor, Mr Mishra said their vision from the start was to develop a strong research and manufacturing capability in India.
