Raphe mPhibr secures $100M to drive aerospace innovation in India

Founded nearly a decade ago, Raphe mPhibr embodies India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India vision, with in-house innovations like the mR10 drone swarm, mR20 logistics platform, Bharat surveillance drone, and X8 maritime patrol system

India’s leading aerospace manufacturer, Raphe mPhibr, has secured $100 million in a funding round led by General Catalyst, marking the largest private investment in the Indian aircraft manufacturing sector to date.

The round also saw continued participation from existing investors such as Amal Parikh, Think Investments, and several high-net-worth family offices. This infusion brings the company’s total capital raised to $145 million, further reinforcing its position as a key player in India's defence and aerospace innovation landscape.

Neeraj Arora, Managing Director at General Catalyst, praised the company’s mission-driven ethos and technological depth, noting Raphe mPhibr’s alignment with the firm’s Global Resilience thesis. “Their work is not only accelerating India’s strategic self-reliance but also embodies a secure, sovereign, and sustainable future,” Arora said.

Pioneering indigenous aerospace innovation

Founded nearly a decade ago, Raphe mPhibr was shaped by India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. Its aircraft and UAV innovations include the mR10 drone swarm, mR20 high-altitude logistics platform, Bharat surveillance drone, and the X8 maritime patrol system—all designed, engineered, and manufactured in-house at India’s most advanced aerospace facility.

The company’s comprehensive end-to-end manufacturing campus integrates metal processing, composite production, engine testing, and military-grade electronics. It draws design inspiration from natural laws and scientific disciplines such as aerodynamics, electromagnetics, and structural mechanics.

The firm’s commitment to innovation and sovereignty is reflected in its global collaborations with Dassault Systèmes, HENSOLDT, and Safran. “Raphe mPhibr is a technological and industrial adventure the likes of which can only be found in India,” noted Alexandre Ziegler, EVP at Safran Electronics & Defense.

Think Investments Managing Partner Shashin Shah highlighted Raphe mPhibr’s strong engineering and manufacturing capabilities as key differentiators in the aerospace industry. “We are excited to deepen our partnership and believe Raphe will emerge as one of India’s foremost aerospace companies,” Shah said.

Funding fuels strategic innovation growth

The funding will support Raphe mPhibr’s expansion and continued product innovation for defence and strategic applications, strengthening its ability to serve India’s evolving security needs across challenging terrains—mountains, deserts, and seas.

Beyond technology, Raphe mPhibr fosters a culture focused on holistic growth, psychological safety, and personal fulfilment. The company believes that well-being fuels innovation, and it strives to create an environment where engineers become their best selves.