• Exploring Cutting-Edge Police and Military Equipment with Giovanni Milo

 By Sangeeta Saxena

New Delhi. 26 April 2025. Vega Holster – a display which really turned out to be the cynosure of all eyes at Milipol India 2025. The brand made its debut in the Indian market, co-located with Nilkamal, their newly appointed distributor for the country. The products on display included a comprehensive range of tactical gear — duty belts, pistol holsters, magazine pouches, handcuff cases, and a variety of accessories essential for law enforcement and military personnel. “Traditionally, these products began with leather but have evolved over time to more technical materials like nylon, Cordura, laminated holsters, and now rigid injection-moulded polymers,” Giovanni Milo, the International Sales Executive explained, walking me through the different product lines exhibited.

This evolution in material and technology ensures the gear remains lightweight, durable, and suited to modern tactical requirements. From conventional concealed carry leather holsters to next-generation thermal-moulded and injection-moulded equipment, the company caters to a wide spectrum of operational needs.

ADU. So, we are meeting here at .Milipol India, co-located with Neel Kamal. What are you showcasing?

Giovanni Milo. What we are displaying in this exhibition are what are generally called tactical equipment — all the gear police officers and military personnel carry on duty. This includes belts, holsters, pouches, cases for spare magazines, batons, handcuffs, and various accessories.

ADU. Is this your first time showcasing in India?

Giovanni Milo. Yes, it is. This is our very first exhibition in India.

ADU. Can you explain what the product range you are showcasing is like?

Giovanni Milo. Sure. We are showcasing a variety of duty gears made from different materials. Historically, these products started off in leather, which you can still see in some concealed carry holsters. Over time, the industry shifted to technical materials like nylon, Cordura, laminated holsters, and thermal-moulded designs. Recently, injection moulding using plastic polymers has become popular. These are the main products on display.

ADU. Since you’ve been displaying these products since morning, what has been the response so far?

Giovanni Milo. As it’s day one, the response has been moderate — not as busy as I expected, but we’re hopeful that tomorrow will pick up. It’s always better to wait and see at the end of the event.

ADU. Your manufacturing is based in Italy. Can you tell us more about your manufacturing lines?

 Giovanni Milo. Yes, all our manufacturing is located in Italy, in the Tuscany region near Pisa and Florence.

ADU. And for your marketing in India, you’ve collaborated with Nilkamal. How does that work?

Giovanni Milo. Neel Kamal is our new distributor for India. We’ve started collaborating to distribute our products here, participate in public tenders, and secure contracts with armed forces.

ADU. How do you plan to follow the ‘Make in India’ policy, given your manufacturing is in Italy?

Giovanni Milo. We are aware of the policy and agree with it. Our plan is to initially introduce some of our products into the Indian market and possibly discuss joint ventures with Indian companies to manufacture locally.

ADU. Do you already have Indian companies in your supply chain?

Giovanni Milo. Not yet. Our products are currently made in Italy, but we’re open to local sourcing in the future.

ADU. Are your products tailored for NATO and UN forces? Are they already in use by them?

Giovanni Milo. Yes. Our equipment is used by law enforcement, military, NATO, and various international agencies. We export worldwide, including Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and the US.

ADU. Do you have manufacturing or assembly lines in other countries?

Giovanni Milo. Currently, we only have small joint ventures for assembly in some countries. Our main manufacturing remains in Italy, with plans to expand into India.

ADU. Besides duty gear, what else do you showcase?

Giovanni Milo. On the other side of our exhibit, we display belts and pouches made from soft materials like nylon and laser-cut fabrics. These are also used by homeland security and police forces.

ADU. Do you sell to police and homeland security agencies in addition to defense forces?

Giovanni Milo. Absolutely. The majority of our sales — around 70 to 80 percent — go to law enforcement and paramilitary agencies. Recently, we secured a contract with the Spanish Army, and we’re expanding into military markets, including air and naval forces.

ADU. Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

Giovanni Milo. I am honored to be part of this exhibition. I believe India has immense potential as a market. The country’s economy is growing rapidly, and there’s a significant need to upgrade their equipment. We hope to grow here and, when the time is right, develop local manufacturing through joint ventures with Indian companies.

Vega Holster’s narrative is one of an Italian firm formed from the commitment of its founders and developed in a culture of cooperation and unrelenting creativity. Lio Toschi, a production expert, started this trip in 1992 by founding Vega Holster with his wife Giovanna Follati and their son Francesco under the notion of manufacturing high-quality holsters and accessories for police enforcement.Vega Holster rapidly became a leading brand in the field, first in the national market and then on the international arena, due to the seriousness and efficiency of the production and commercial team, the quality of materials and products.

The Toschi family’s project took executive form in 1993 in a modest workshop in the province of Pisa, where the first products were produced and sold. Vega Holster is a successful company today with many driven and talented workers and partners, more than 6000 square meters of land arranged into offices, workshops with cutting-edge equipment and tools, and a big warehouse for keeping more than 1,000 different kinds of products.

Giovanni Milo’s participation at Milipol India marks an exciting step towards expanding their advanced tactical gear into the Indian market. With a strong manufacturing heritage rooted in Italy and a strategic partnership with Neel Kamal, they are optimistic about future growth and local collaboration, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

As told to Sangeeta Saxena