By Sahil Luthra, Founder and Managing Director of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions
India’s defence transformation is entering a defining phase marked by an unwavering commitment to indigenous capability-building, reduced reliance on imports, and the rise of future-ready private sector players. At the confluence of this national imperative stands Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (VTDS) – a company that exemplifies the emergence of deep-tech defence enterprises rooted in innovation, purpose, and precision.
In the broader context of Atmanirbhar Bharat, defence self-reliance is not just a policy direction, it is a strategic necessity. VTDS, operating in the critical domain of small arms and ammunition, represents a decisive shift from legacy dependence to sovereign creation. It is among a new cohort of Indian defence manufacturers building products ground-up for Indian requirements tailored to terrain, mission profiles, and modern combat expectations.
At the helm of VTDS is Mr. Sahil Luthra, Founder and Managing Director, whose leadership reflects both technical command and a deep alignment with national security goals. His approach is driven by the belief that innovation in the defence sector must originate from a clear understanding of operational realities – be it soldier ergonomics, performance in diverse geographies, or modularity for next-generation integration.
Unlike conventional players that often replicate existing global models, VTDS prioritises contextual relevance. Its systems are developed with end-user feedback, ensuring every design decision has a functional grounding. By embedding indigenous R&D within its process from component engineering to field testing, the company ensures its platforms are battle-relevant, scalable, and future-proof.
What sets VTDS apart is its ability to combine agility with rigour. Its engineering workflows are modular yet robust, enabling rapid iteration while maintaining compliance with strict quality and safety protocols. The company places significant emphasis on IP creation and domestic supply chains contributing directly to India’s larger push for defence industrial independence.
The rise of VTDS is also emblematic of a maturing policy ecosystem that now recognises the role of the private sector as a co-builder of strategic capability. Encouraged by Make in India and supported through institutional reforms, companies like VTDS are demonstrating that homegrown defence platforms can meet the twin benchmarks of reliability and performance traditionally associated with imports.
Within the small arms and ammunition segment, an area where precision directly translates to mission success. VTDS is creating platforms that prioritise not just lethality, but also operability and standardisation. These elements are key to building a modern, interoperable force structure across various arms of India’s defence and law enforcement machinery.
The company’s growth narrative is also shaped by a forward-looking ethos. It is actively investing in new material science, design automation, and combat ergonomics to ensure its platforms remain relevant across evolving warfare scenarios. This future-readiness allows VTDS to stay adaptive as the contours of conflict shift from conventional theatres to hybrid domains.
VTDS’s contribution is not limited to manufacturing alone, it is helping redefine what a modern Indian defence enterprise can be. By working collaboratively with defence personnel, academic institutions, policymakers, and industry experts, the company is helping build an ecosystem that fosters accountability, excellence, and strategic foresight.
As India charts its course toward becoming one of the top defence producers globally, the role of indigenous tech leaders like VTDS will be central not just in meeting procurement needs, but in shaping a confident, self-reliant national security posture.
In an era where sovereignty and capability are intertwined, VTDS serves as both a symbol and a driver of India’s defence resurgence where innovation is indigenous, impact is measurable, and purpose is aligned with national vision.
