India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026: Boosting Self-Reliance
The Indian Department of Defence has unveiled a draft for the ‘Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2026’, aiming to enhance jointness, self-reliance, integration, force modernization, and the speed of procurement. This progressive framework seeks to adapt to the swiftly changing geo-strategic landscape, bolster the Indian economy, and develop a skilled workforce while fostering growth in the private defence sector and addressing the technological needs of contemporary warfare.
Upon approval, DAP-2026 will replace the current DAP-2020. This initiative is central to India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) strategy in defence. It emphasizes a strong preference for the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category, which stands for Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured products. This focus is expected to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and significantly reduce reliance on imports.
Enhanced Procurement Strategies
The draft outlines a comprehensive procurement strategy that aligns with technological advancements and manufacturing capabilities. It proposes streamlined processes for faster acquisition of equipment, encouraging the use of short technological cycles and iterative designs in major platforms. Furthermore, it aims to exploit modern technologies before engaging in bulk procurement, maintain realistic evaluations of Indigenous Content (IC) and Indigenous Design (ID), and utilize locally produced military materials.
Fostering Innovation and Participation
In a bid to promote inclusivity, the new draft proposes easing financial and experience criteria for stakeholders, allowing for wider participation. The plan includes delegating decision-making authority to expedite acquisitions, revamping trials and quality assurance processes, and incorporating extensive digitization and automation in procurement activities. It reinforces the principle of Atmanirbhar Bharat, continuing the emphasis on indigenous design and intellectual property rights, alongside offering incentives for innovative solutions.
Public Engagement and Future Directions
The Ministry of Defence has made the DAP-2026 draft, along with a Handbook on Guidelines and Annexures, available on their website. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback via email within the next three weeks, with a deadline set for March 3, 2026. This collaborative approach aims to refine the process and ensure it meets the needs of the defence sector effectively.
While the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 addresses the maintenance and sustainability of defence assets, the DAP focuses on capital procurement under the Capital head of expenditure. The DAP-2026 is designed to intertwine national security with technological progress, laying the groundwork for a prosperous and secure India by 2047.
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