As India accelerates its push for defence self-reliance, homegrown companies like Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions (VTDS) are playing a vital role in reshaping the nation’s security ecosystem. In this exclusive interview, Sahil Luthra, Founder & Managing Director, VTDS, speaks with Machine Edge Global about the company’s origin, innovation-led approach, and commitment to building indigenous defence technologies that support both national and global security goals.
Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions has carved a niche in India’s growing defence manufacturing sector. What was the founding vision behind the company, and how has it evolved over the years?
Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions (VTDS) was established with a clear purpose: to build indigenous capabilities in India’s critical defence technology ecosystem, particularly in the arms and ammunition domain. Rooted in the vision of self-reliance, our goal has always been to contribute meaningfully to national security through homegrown innovation. Since inception, VTDS has adopted an R&D-led approach to develop future-forward solutions that address the evolving needs of the Indian armed forces. Our journey continues with a focus on intelligent design, modular engineering, and scalable prototyping, all aligned to power the next generation of Indian defence systems.
What sets VTDS apart from other defence solution providers in terms of indigenous innovation, R&D capabilities, and strategic partnerships?
VTDS stands apart through its unwavering commitment to indigenous development and a forward-thinking approach to defence technology. Our agile R&D framework enables rapid experimentation and refinement, ensuring we respond swiftly to operational requirements. From inception, we’ve maintained a systems-first mindset, integrating modularity and automation into our design philosophy. What truly differentiates us is a seamless, purpose-built ecosystem where engineering, compliance, and innovation work in sync, ensuring every solution we conceptualise is aligned with the demanding standards of defence-readiness.
Can you walk us through some of your flagship technologies or products that are currently being deployed by defence or paramilitary forces?
We are currently advancing a range of high-impact solutions with a strong emphasis on precision, reliability, and operational adaptability. VTDS is developing systems aligned with the tactical requirements of India’s defence forces, combining deep research with iterative prototyping. While still in the pre-deployment phase, our focus remains on creating robust, scalable platforms that strengthen tactical preparedness and reduce dependency on external systems. Every project under development is guided by our mission to deliver indigenous value where it matters most, on the ground, in real time.
With the rising demand for AI, automation, and unmanned solutions in modern warfare, how is VTDS integrating next-gen technologies into its product offerings?
We recognise that the future of modern combat lies at the intersection of firepower and intelligent systems. As we expand our capabilities in the arms and ammunition segment, we are embedding next-generation technologies, including AI-driven analytics, automated operations, and smart interfaces, into our core R&D pipeline. These innovations are aimed at enhancing precision, efficiency, and responsiveness, ensuring our solutions are not only robust, but also adaptive to the ever-changing dynamics of the battlefield.
How is Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions contributing to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in the defence sector, and are there any plans for exports or global collaborations?
VTDS is deeply committed to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, with self-reliance forming the backbone of our philosophy. Our aim is to develop indigenous capabilities that directly cater to India’s defence needs, particularly in arms and ammunition, while systematically reducing reliance on imported technologies. Alongside our national focus, we are also preparing for responsible global collaborations and long-term export potential. Our goal is to help position India not just as a consumer, but as a strategic contributor in the evolving global defence landscape.
As a growing defence tech company, how do you approach talent development, skilling, and retaining top minds in such a critical industry? What does the future roadmap for VTDS look like in the next 5 years?
At VTDS, we believe that building national defence capability begins with nurturing exceptional talent. We actively engage with leading technical institutions and experienced defence professionals to cultivate a workforce that combines deep technical insight with mission-driven passion. Our structured skilling initiatives ensure continuous learning, domain expertise, and alignment with sectoral evolution.
Looking ahead, our strategic roadmap includes:
● Transitioning high-potential prototypes into deployment-ready platforms
● Establishing advanced testing and simulation facilities for in-house validation
● Building strong public-private collaborations, both domestically and internationally, to accelerate innovation and operational excellence