India’s drone ecosystem is soaring high in 2025, driven by government support, defence innovation, agri-tech demand, and private sector adoption. Here’s a curated list of the Top 8 most successful drone startups in India, based on funding, technological innovation, certifications, and industry impact.
1. Raphe mPhibr – Next-Gen Military & Logistics Drones
🌐 www.raphe.com
Based in Noida and Bengaluru, Raphe mPhibr has emerged as India’s most well-funded drone company in 2025, raising $100 million to scale its defence and logistics drones. Known for their mR10 swarm drones and Bharat surveillance platforms, Raphe’s indigenous tech is used by Indian armed forces and global allies.
2. Garuda Aerospace – India’s Drone-as-a-Service Giant
🌐 garudaaerospace.com
Founded in Chennai, Garuda Aerospace is a pioneer in Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), with over 50 types of drones serving agriculture, disaster relief, mapping, and defence. Backed by MS Dhoni and DGCA-approved, the company is expanding rapidly with “Make in India” manufacturing unit
3. ideaForge – India’s Defence Drone Powerhouse
🌐 ideaforge.co.in
With its origins in IIT Bombay, ideaForge is a leader in tactical UAVs used by Indian armed forces and police. Holding nearly 50% of India’s defence drone market, its Netra V4 and Q series are known for reliability and endurance in surveillance missions.
4. Asteria Aerospace – Reliance-Backed Surveillance Experts
🌐 asteria.co.in
Acquired by Jio Platforms, Asteria is known for its A200 and A410 drones and SkyDeck fleet management platform. Its drones are certified by DGCA and used across oil & gas, infrastructure, and law enforcement agencies in India.
5. Skylark Drones – Enterprise Drone Intelligence
🌐 skylarkdrones.com
Bengaluru-based Skylark helps industries with aerial data for inspections, land surveys, and analytics. Their drone software integrates with global GIS platforms, making them key partners for mining, energy, and infrastructure companies.
6. Aarav Unmanned Systems (Aereo) – Mapping India from Above
🌐 aereo.io
Aereo, formerly known as AUS, focuses on mapping and geospatial intelligence. Their drones support large-scale infrastructure, mining, and smart city projects, and are selected under India’s Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping (SVAMITVA) scheme.
7. DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations – UAV Solutions + Drone Training
🌐 droneacharya.com
Pune-based DroneAcharya provides end-to-end drone services and also runs certified training programs for drone pilots, engineers, and data analysts. Their drones are used in agriculture, mining, and defence.
8. Marut Drones – AgriTech & Eco-Drones from Hyderabad
🌐 marutdrones.com
An IIT alumni venture, Marut specialises in agricultural drones (sprayers, seeders) and public health drones (mosquito eradication). Partnering with state governments, their drones are DGCA-approved and have flown over 50,000 km in rural projects.
Why These Startups Matte
- Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat: Most startups design and manufacture drones in India.
- DGCA-Certified: Many are officially approved for commercial operations and BVLOS missions.
- Government & Defence Adoption: Multiple firms are working with DRDO, state departments, and defence forces.
- Diverse Applications: From seed-planting in forests to surveillance along borders, these startups cover it all.
