Defense

China features prominently in the proposed collection. In addition to the J-20, J-35, DF-17, DF-41 and Type 055, the requirement includes representations of platforms such as the Fujian aircraft carrier, ZTZ-99A main battle tank, HQ-9 air-defence system, Z-10 attack helicopter and a Chinese submarine type.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies confirmed in May 2026 that S4* had been launched in October 2024 and was undergoing sea trials. The submarine is also expected to eventually receive the name INS Arisudan, although that name has not yet been formally announced by the government.

Designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, Nipun was delivered to the Navy on July 30 after completing extensive outfitting and sea trials. Its induction marks another important step in India’s effort to develop specialised naval platforms domestically.

The requirement has been issued by DRDO’s High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune, the organisation’s specialist centre for high-energy materials. The tender calls for the “Development of software for numerical simulation of response of HE charges and encased HE charges under thermal and shock effects” .

The more immediate programme is QRSAM, now formally identified by DRDO as Anant Shastra. The system has already received Acceptance of Necessity for induction, and BEL has indicated that the remaining major step before the expected order is approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. During its July 2026 investor interaction, BEL said all activities and inputs required from its side had been completed and that it was awaiting CCS clearance. Management continued to guide for the order during the first half of the current financial year, with September mentioned as the expected outer timeline.

Under the partnership, Central Command will share operational problem statements with T-Hub, which will identify and shortlist startups capable of developing relevant solutions. Selected companies will then work with Army stakeholders to refine their technologies, test them against practical requirements and incorporate feedback from personnel who could eventually use the systems in the field.