India’s Digantara raises $50M for aerospace defense technology

DigantaraIndia’s first space watchdog, has raised $50 million in new funding as it continues to develop space detection and missile tracking, based on increasing government demand for space-based defense capabilities.

The entire Series B round included new investors such as 360 ONE Asset and Japan’s SBI Investments, as well as private equity investor Ronnie Screwvala, and existing backers Peak XV Partners and Kalaari Capital as well. The money comes after two years since the start $10 million Series A1 roundbringing his net worth to $64.5 million.

All over the world, governments are investing heavily in location-based monitoring and early warning systems when missile launches and satellite interference become more common, and many require faster detection than ground-based radar can provide. Digantara aims to enter this market using its ground-based sensors and software-based analytics.

Launching in 2020, the Bengaluru-headquartered startup will initially focus on space detection, tracking debris and objects that could damage satellites. The startup has expanded its scope to include missile detection and tracking, air- and ground-based technologies and analytics designed to monitor space, its founder and chief executive Anirudh Sharma (pictured above) said in an interview.

Digantara he started its first space monitoring satellite, SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking), in January during the SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, making the observation of space. After a month, it started again opened an office in Colorado Springs as part of a push into the US defense market, a move that has led to contracts with the US Space Command for analytics-as-a-service. Its US agency has also been selected to be the contract vehicle for the Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD, which supports next-generation programs.

“Having already developed IR sensors, we are now expanding our IR capabilities to other areas such as mid and far infrared,” Sharma told TechCrunch.

Digantara has divided its operations into different areas to meet national security requirements. Its US unit focuses on developing large satellites and spacecraft in the 100-kilogram class for American defense, while its Indian operation focuses on analysis, data processing, and space exploration. This design reflects the legal reality of purchasing securities, where complex systems must be designed and built in-house for each market.

Digantara has so far closed deals worth about $25 million, Sharma told TechCrunch. The startup operates in India, Singapore, and the US, and plans to expand into Europe by establishing a local agency from 2026.

In India, Digantara operates a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility capable of producing five satellites at a time, and plans to expand further. The startup has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh government to set up a larger facility capable of producing up to 30 satellites at a time, which it aims to bring online next year.

Digantara has already been selected as the winner of the Indian government’s defense tenders and is completing the pre-construction inspection, Sharma said.

Through 2026-27, Digantara plans to expand its space and ground infrastructure, including additional electro-optical and LiDAR satellites for aerial monitoring, sensors for early warning and early detection, and an expanded ground observation network, the company said. It is also evaluating the use of its LiDAR and laser technology for future interceptor systems, Sharma confirmed.

Digantara plans to launch another satellite through SpaceX in March, followed by additional satellites in June and October, with several satellites planned for this final mission. The company plans to launch 15 satellites over the next two years, Sharma said.

The latest investment, he said, will support this establishment, about $7-$10 million has been set aside for expansion in the United States and about $2-$3 million has been set aside to set up operations in Europe, while the rest will be used to expand its manufacturing operations in India.

Digantara has seen revenue grow tenfold in the past two years, Sharma said, declining to disclose the available figures. He said the company is targeting annual revenue of $25-$30 million over the next 18 months as security and public services ramp up.

The startup has about 125 people, including about 80 to 85 engineers.