• Forays into Small Arms, Ammunition, and Global Defence Reach

 By Sangeeta Saxena

 Greater NOIDA/New Delhi. 16 October 2024.  At the UP International Trade Show, we sat down with Sahil Luthra, founder of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Pvt. Ltd., to discuss his company’s ambitious plans to venture into small arms and ammunition manufacturing. Sahil shares insights into the company’s upcoming manufacturing unit in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, his three-phase vision for arms production, and the role his company will play in India’s defence ecosystem. Here’s an in-depth conversation with one of the youngest defence entrepreneur in India.

ADU. What brings your company to this event, and how are you connected with Uttar Pradesh?

Sahil Luthra. Our company, Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Pvt. Ltd., is venturing into the manufacturing of small arms and ammunition. We are pure manufacturers, not suppliers or dealers. We’re setting up our manufacturing unit in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), in the Jhansi North node. That’s why we’re here, representing UPDIC as one of the key investors aiming to contribute to India’s defence manufacturing growth, with plans for a global reach.

ADU. When do you expect your manufacturing to begin, and what’s your timeline for operations to go live?

 Sahil Luthra.  The Defence Corridor is still taking shape. The infrastructure itself is a large-scale project, thanks to the leadership of the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister. We anticipate that in the next one and a half to two years, the Defence Corridor will be fully operational. Our target is to begin production by June 2026, with local manufacturing ramping up and India becoming a significant global defence manufacturer and supplier.

ADU. You mentioned manufacturing small arms and ammunition. What exactly are you planning to produce?

Sahil Luthra. We have a three-phase vision. In the first phase, we will produce small ammunition, such as 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and 9 mm rounds, which are critical for defence needs both in India and globally. All our ammunition will be for defence use, not for civilians, and we will manufacture both NATO and Russian-grade ammunition. In the second phase, we will start manufacturing small arms, likely through a Joint Venture (JV), though we are still finalizing our partner. The third and final phase will involve medium and large caliber ammunition, including mortar shells (80 mm) and artillery shells (155 mm), which are crucial in times of large-scale conflict.

 ADU. That’s an ambitious plan. Do you have specific deadlines for these phases?

 Sahil Luthra. Yes, ma’am. We have communicated our timelines to both the UP and central governments. Our project cost is around ₹300-400 crore, and it is fully self-funded by our family, with no external investors. By December this year, we will start setting up the unit, and by June 2026, our first production line will be operational. We have also committed to employing 300 people directly and 600 indirectly, with a focus on women empowerment, particularly in packaging roles.

ADU. It seems like you are aiming for global outreach as well. Are you in talks with any international partners or government entities for JVs?

Sahil Luthra. We are exploring joint ventures with both Indian and international entities. We are already in talks with several defence companies and government entities, both in India and abroad. Although I can’t disclose specific names yet, these collaborations will help us scale our manufacturing efforts significantly. The JV will likely involve technology transfer as well, which will streamline production with tested designs and systems.

ADU. Will your joint ventures involve foreign defence companies? What kind of stake arrangement are you looking at?

Sahil Luthra. Absolutely, we are in talks with foreign defence companies and government entities, particularly from the U.S., Israel, and some European nations. However, the majority stake will remain with us as we are committed to Make in India. While exact percentages are still under discussion, our goal is to ensure we have enough control to drive our vision forward.

ADU. You mentioned hiring an ammunition specialist as CEO. Are you planning to bring in international talent for leadership roles?

Sahil Luthra.  Yes, we are seeking a global ammunition expert to join us as CEO. Given that defence privatization is still relatively new in India, we’ve had challenges finding the right talent domestically. We are in talks with candidates from the U.S., Israel, and the EU, and are offering competitive packages to bring them on board. The CEO will be crucial in driving our project forward and ensuring we meet global standards.

ADU. You are also one of  the youngest defence entrepreneur in India. What drives you to take on such a significant role at the age of 34?

Sahil Luthra.  I’m currently the youngest defence entrepreneur in India, recognized by the UP government. This project is deeply personal for me, especially since my late father blessed this venture before his passing. I see this as not just my career but a legacy to pass on to future generations. Defence is a prestigious field, and my vision is to make Vijayan Trishul India’s leading ammunition manufacturer, contributing to our country’s security and economy.

ADU. By June 2026, can we expect to see your company fully operational and supplying ammunition to the Indian Armed Forces and global markets?

Sahil Luthra. Absolutely. By June 2026, our first batch of ammunition will roll out. Our team is already in talks with Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, and international defence clients for pre-agreements. We are excited to contribute to India’s defence landscape and expand our reach globally.

In this insightful conversation, Sahil, the young and ambitious founder of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions, outlined his company’s bold plans to become a leading player in India’s defence manufacturing sector. With a phased approach that spans small arms and ammunition to large artillery, and a commitment to women empowerment and Make in India, Sahil’s vision for the future of Indian defence manufacturing is both inspiring and deeply rooted in his family’s legacy. By 2026, we can expect Vijayan Trishul to be a prominent name in the defence world, supplying critical arms and ammunition to both Indian and global markets.

As told to Sangeeta Saxena