Digantara Secures $50M to Advance Space-Based Missile Defense

Bangalore-based space surveillance company Digantara has announced a $50 million Series B funding round. This investment will fuel the company's expansion from space situational awareness into advanced missile tracking technologies, responding to increased governmental demand for space-based defense solutions.

The funding round was an all-equity arrangement that saw participation from new investors such as 360 ONE Asset, SBI Investment of Japan, and entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala. Existing investors Peak XV Partners and Kalaari Capital also contributed. This latest round brings Digantara's total funding to $64.5 million, following a $10 million Series A1 round more than two years ago.

Governments worldwide are increasing their investments in space-based surveillance and early warning systems. This is in response to the growing frequency of missile launches and satellite interference, with many countries seeking faster detection capabilities than traditional ground-based radar can offer. Digantara aims to capitalize on this market by utilizing its space- and ground-based infrared sensors, coupled with advanced software analytics and intelligence.

Founded in 2020, Digantara initially focused on space situational awareness, specifically tracking debris and objects that pose a threat to satellites. According to Anirudh Sharma, the company's founder and chief executive, Digantara has since broadened its scope to include missile detection and tracking, leveraging the sensing and analytics technologies developed for its initial space surveillance work.

In January, Digantara launched its first space surveillance satellite, SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking), aboard a SpaceX Transporter-12 mission, enabling space-to-space observation. Furthermore, the company established a U.S. presence by opening an office in Colorado Springs in February. This strategic move has already resulted in contracts with U.S. Space Command for analytics-as-a-service. Digantara's U.S. entity has also been selected for the Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD contract vehicle, supporting the development of next-generation missile defense systems.

Sharma stated that the company is extending its existing IR sensor capabilities into other areas, such as mid- and long-wave infrared.

To comply with national security requirements, Digantara has divided its operations geographically. The U.S. team is focused on developing larger, 100-kilogram class satellites and spacecraft tailored to U.S. defense needs. Meanwhile, the India-based operations concentrate on analytics, data processing, and space situational awareness. This structure is designed to meet the regulatory demands of defense procurement, where sensitive systems typically require domestic design and construction for each specific market.

To date, Digantara has secured contracts totaling approximately $25 million, according to Sharma. The company currently operates in India, Singapore, and the U.S., with plans to expand into Europe by establishing a local entity as early as 2026.

Within India, Digantara operates a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility capable of producing up to five satellites simultaneously. Plans are in place to significantly increase this capacity. The company has signed an agreement with the government of Andhra Pradesh to establish a larger facility capable of manufacturing up to 30 satellites at once, with the goal of bringing it online next year.

Sharma also noted that Digantara has been selected as the winning bidder for government defense tenders in India and is currently completing the necessary administrative procedures before commencing work.

Looking ahead to 2026–27, Digantara intends to expand its space- and ground-based infrastructure. This includes deploying additional electro-optical and lidar satellites for enhanced space surveillance, developing space-based sensors for early missile warning and tracking, and expanding its network of ground-based observatories. The company is also exploring the potential application of its lidar and laser technologies in future interceptor systems, according to Sharma.

Digantara plans to launch another satellite via SpaceX in March, followed by additional launches in June and October, with multiple satellites slated for the latter mission. The company aims to deploy a total of 15 satellites over the next two years.

Sharma indicated that the new funding will support these launches, with approximately $7 million to $10 million allocated for expansion in the U.S., $2 million to $3 million designated for establishing European operations, and the remaining funds directed toward scaling manufacturing and operations in India.

Digantara has experienced a tenfold increase in revenue over the past two years, according to Sharma, although he did not disclose specific figures. The company is aiming for annual revenues of $25 million to $30 million within the next 18 months as its defense and government contracts increase. Digantara currently employs around 125 people, including 80 to 85 engineers.