Taking a significant leap towards realising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday inaugurated the defence equipment and drone manufacturing unit, aircraft engine, and country’s largest aero engine test bed, built by Raphe mPhibr Pvt. Ltd. in Gautam Buddh Nagar.
Describing the milestone as part of India’s “new technological revolution,” the Defence Minister praised the efforts of the company’s founders, Vishal Mishra and Vivek Mishra. “In my six years as Defence Minister, I have not seen young people build such a large and innovative establishment. The youth are not just creating companies but shaping a new vision for the defence sector. Today, when Indian drones fly, neither the U.S. nor China will be able to detect them—this is a significant achievement,” he said.
Singh underlined the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare, citing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example. “Drones are now a crucial part of defence policy, and India is designing and manufacturing them domestically,” he said. He added that self-reliance forms the foundation of India’s defence strength, recalling the nation’s determination from the Pokhran nuclear tests to the present day.
Calling the startup’s achievements a “scientific revolution,” the Defence Minister highlighted the global divide in technology and urged India to remain ahead in innovation. Raphe mPhibr, which began in 2017 with just 10 people, now employs over 600 scientists and engineers and is expected to generate more than 5,000 jobs in Uttar Pradesh. In collaboration with DRDO, the company has developed three products in just 14 months that were deployed in Operation Sindoor.
During the plant visit, Singh termed the engine test bed, additive manufacturing facility, composite polymer centre, payload drones, and guided missile drones as “state-of-the-art.” He lauded the Yogi government for transforming Uttar Pradesh’s business environment: “Earlier, it was difficult to set up industries in UP. Today, under CM Yogi’s leadership, the state has become an example in ease of doing business and law and order.”
He added that Noida is emerging as a hub for startups, high-tech solutions, and defence manufacturing, and expressed confidence that Uttar Pradesh will play a key role in India’s technological progress. The central government, he noted, has launched initiatives such as the Technology Development Fund, National Research Foundation, and IDEX Aditi to support startups in defence innovation. “This is not just a company’s success but the identity of a new India. In the coming years, such startups will make India not only Atmanirbhar but also a global leader in defence technology and innovation,” he said.
Rajnath Singh recalled Operation Sindoor, saying: “When commitment, courage, and science come together, the impossible becomes possible. In just 22 minutes, our forces eliminated the enemy. This was not only the bravery of our armed forces but also a story of Atmanirbhar India and the innovation of our scientists and youth.”
Calling the project a milestone in shaping Noida into a defence hub, CM Yogi said: “A nation becomes strong only by striking a balance between ‘shastra’ and ‘shaastra’, and Uttar Pradesh is playing a leading role in defence production.” He added that the new facilities, including advanced drone manufacturing, would prove to be a milestone in shaping Noida into a defence hub, elevating national security to new heights.
“The new facilities, including advanced drone manufacturing, would boost national security against electronic warfare, ensuring India no longer remains dependent on foreign powers,” he remarked further.
The Chief Minister recalled India’s changing warfare patterns since Independence, citing Operation Sindoor as a turning point that showcased India’s strength and underlined the need to prepare for future challenges. Quoting Guru Dronacharya and Maharana Pratap, he emphasized that peace is secured only through strength: “When the nation is protected with shastra, only then can shaastra flourish.”
Yogi Adityanath also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in the defence sector, with nine operational ordnance factories and several defence PSUs. He noted that under PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s guidance, two new defence manufacturing centres have been sanctioned, one of them in UP. Six nodes—Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot—are being developed over 12,500 acres.
Referring to Lucknow’s BrahMos missile centre, the CM stated: “Lucknow’s smile was incomplete until the echo of the missile reached the enemy’s ears. In Operation Sindoor, BrahMos showcased its capability.” He also cited other projects such as the DDL centre in Jhansi, AK-203 unit in Amethi, and Escort facility in Hardoi.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, MP Mahesh Sharma, and senior officials from the defence department were among those present.
