Sahil Luthra: Founder Of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions India’s Next Defence Giant

 Founder Of Vijayan Trishul Defence: At 34, Sahil Luthra is leading a new wave of defense manufacturing in India as the founder of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions (VTDS). Launched in 2024, this Delhi-based startup is focused on producing small arms, ammunition, and advanced defense technologies. With a 20-hectare facility in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and a clear three-phase plan, VTDS is set to support India’s “Make in India” mission and compete globally. Here’s how Sahil is building India’s next defense giant.

From Family Legacy to Defense Innovation

Sahil grew up learning business from his father, Karan Luthra, a prominent entrepreneur known as the “Lottery King of India.” After years in real estate with SL Investors & Developers LLP, Sahil shifted to defense, a sector critical to India’s security. In 2024, he co-founded VTDS with his wife, Prikansha Luthra, to create high-quality, homegrown defense solutions. His father’s legacy of adaptability and ambition drives Sahil’s vision to make India self-reliant in defense manufacturing.

VTDS’s Three-Phase Strategy

VTDS has a clear roadmap to transform India’s defense landscape:

• Phase 1: Small-Caliber Ammunition
  By June 2026, VTDS will produce 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and 9mm rounds meeting NATO and Russian standards. These will serve the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and global clients.

• Phase 2: Small Arms Manufacturing
  Through joint ventures and technology transfers, VTDS will produce rifles and carbines, reducing India’s reliance on foreign imports.

• Phase 3: Medium and Large-Caliber Ammunition
  The company plans to manufacture 81mm mortar shells and 155mm artillery rounds, addressing global shortages and boosting exports.
  This strategy aligns with India’s push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Building a World-Class Facility in Jhansi

In February 2025, VTDS secured a 20-hectare plot in Jhansi, part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The facility, set to start production by June 2026, will use robotics, AI-driven quality control, and precision machinery. It will employ over 300 people directly, with a focus on hiring women for packaging roles to promote empowerment. A second facility in Amritsar is also planned, expanding VTDS’s footprint.

Product Lineup and Partnerships

VTDS is developing a wide range of defense products, including:

• Armored vehicles for military transport

• Bulletproof jackets and VIP shields

• Bomb blankets for explosive containment

• Aerospace drones and anti-drone systems

• Fighter jet and warship components

The company has partnered with Poland’s WB Group to produce advanced systems like the Warmate drone in India. Talks with US and European firms are ongoing for further collaborations, ensuring cutting-edge technology transfers.

Challenges and Vision

Building a defense startup in India comes with hurdles like regulatory delays, talent shortages, and infrastructure challenges. Sahil sees these as opportunities to innovate. His vision is to make VTDS a global leader in defense manufacturing, serving not just India but international markets. He emphasizes adaptability and strategic partnerships to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.

Leadership Team and Recognition

Sahil is supported by a strong team, including:

• Lt Gen Kamal Jit Singh (Retd.), strategic advisor

• G.R. Aloria (IAS Retd.), government affairs expert

• Karnal Singh (IPS Retd.), security consultant

• Prikansha Luthra, co-founder and operations lead

In 2025, Sahil received the Excellence in Defence Entrepreneurship Award at the ET Now Business Conclave, and VTDS was honored with the Times Business Awards North 2025 for its contribution to “Make in India.” These accolades highlight VTDS’s rapid rise in India’s defense sector.

FAQs

Q: Who is Sahil Luthra?
A: Sahil Luthra is the 34-year-old founder of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions, a Delhi-based defense manufacturing startup launched in 2024.

Q: What does Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions do?
A: VTDS manufactures small arms, ammunition, armored vehicles, drones, and other defense products, supporting India’s self-reliance in defense.

Q: When will VTDS start production?
A: The Jhansi facility is set to begin producing small-caliber ammunition by June 2026.

Q: Where is VTDS’s manufacturing facility located?
A: VTDS has a 20-hectare facility in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, and plans a second unit in Amritsar, Punjab.

Q: How does VTDS support India’s defense goals?
A: VTDS aligns with the “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, producing indigenous defense solutions to reduce import reliance.