Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Indian defence startups shift to software for growth
Many Indian defence startups that used to make things like drones are now focusing more on software.
Some of these startups have received a lot of money to help them grow.
For example, Raphe Mphibir got $100 million, and Vayudh and Garuda Aerospace got $10 million and $11 million respectively.
UNMANND got $2 million to start, and NewSpace Research and Technologies, which makes special drones, is expected to get $50 million.
This change is important because it shows that these companies are looking to the future and trying new ways to grow.
Indian defence startups are shifting focus to software for future growth.
Raphe Mphibir raised $100 million in June 2025.
Vayudh and Garuda Aerospace secured $10 million and $11 million in April 2025.
UNMANND received $2 million pre-seed funding.
NewSpace Research and Technologies develops kamikaze drones and is expected to raise $50 million.
- Who
- Indian defence startups
- What
- Shifting focus to software for future growth
- When
- Recent developments in 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To embrace software for future growth
- ideaForge
- Prominent drone-focused startup
- Raphe Mphibir
- Raised $100 million in June 2025
- Vayudh
- Secured $10 million in April 2025
- Garuda Aerospace
- Secured $11 million in April 2025
- UNMANND
- Received $2 million pre-seed funding
- NewSpace Research and Technologies
- Develops kamikaze drones, expected to raise $50 million