Vikash Mishra (Raphe mPhibr): 10 Key Things You Must Know
Overview
Vikash Mishra, a prominent figure in India's aerospace sector, is the co-founder and CEO of Raphe mPhibr, a cutting-edge drone technology company based in Noida, India. Under his leadership, Raphe mPhibr has become a significant player in the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and military-grade avionics. The company is noteworthy for its contributions to India's defense capabilities, aligning with national initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. As of June 2025, Raphe mPhibr's innovative products have gained global attention, securing substantial funding and partnerships with international defense agencies.
1. Early Life and Education
Vikash Mishra was born and raised in India, demonstrating an early interest in technology and engineering. He pursued his higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he solidified his knowledge in aerospace engineering. His academic journey equipped him with the skills necessary to lead high-tech initiatives and foster innovation in the aerospace sector.
2. Founding Raphe mPhibr
Mishra co-founded Raphe mPhibr in 2016 alongside Vivek Mishra and Nitin Katiyar. The mission was to create advanced UAV solutions to meet the growing technological needs of India's defense forces. The company quickly established itself by developing indigenous technologies and reducing reliance on imported defense systems.
3. Key Contributions and Innovations
Raphe mPhibr is renowned for several pioneering initiatives, including India's first indigenous military-grade autopilot and a lightweight internal combustion engine specifically for UAVs. These technological advancements underscore the company’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance, contributing significantly to modernizing India’s defense infrastructure.
4. Funding and Growth
In 2025, Raphe mPhibr secured a $100 million investment led by General Catalyst, marking the largest private fundraise in India's aerospace manufacturing sector. This funding is intended to expand the company's manufacturing capabilities and enhance its research and development efforts, positioning it as a central player in the global aerospace supply chain.
5. Strategic Partnerships
Under Vikash's leadership, Raphe mPhibr has formed alliances with international aerospace giants such as Dassault Systèmes, HENSOLDT, and Safran. These partnerships facilitate the co-development of advanced sensor technologies and integration into global supply chains, broadening the company’s impact beyond India.
6. Products and Services
Raphe mPhibr's product lineup includes the mR10 drone swarm platform, the mR20 high-altitude logistics UAV, the Bharat man-portable surveillance drone, and the X8 maritime patrol UAV. These products are widely used by Indian defense forces and are being evaluated for international military applications.
7. Advancing India's Defense Capabilities
By focusing on indigenous technology development, Raphe mPhibr supports India's strategic objectives of self-reliance in defense. The company's innovations align with government policies aimed at reducing dependency on foreign military equipment.
8. Challenges and Market Position
Despite its successes, Raphe mPhibr operates in a highly competitive global market dominated by established players from countries like China. The need for continuous innovation and adaptation to rapid technological advancements remains a challenge.
9. Influence on the Aerospace Industry
Mishra's leadership and Raphe mPhibr’s innovations have significantly influenced India’s aerospace sector, encouraging a shift towards domestically developed technologies and inspiring similar initiatives in the field.
10. Future Prospects
Looking ahead, under Vikash Mishra's leadership, Raphe mPhibr aims to deepen its impact both domestically and internationally by enhancing its product offerings and expanding into new markets. The focus remains on leveraging technology to maintain a competitive edge and contribute to national and global security.
Conclusion
Vikash Mishra's role in shaping India's UAV industry is profound, as evident through Raphe mPhibr's impressive growth and technological contributions. His vision for leveraging indigenous innovation to boost national self-reliance continues to influence the aerospace landscape significantly. As Raphe mPhibr continues to expand, it stands as a testament to Mishra's strategic leadership and commitment to technological advancement.