The Government of India has unveiled the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2026, a comprehensive overhaul of the existing procurement framework, aimed at aligning defence acquisition with the rapidly evolving geo-strategic environment and modern warfare requirements. Once approved, this draft will replace the current DAP-2020 and serve as the core policy guiding how the Indian Armed Forces procure weapons, systems, platforms, and technologies.
The draft emphasises enhancing jointness, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and integration across the defence ecosystem while accelerating acquisition speed and scaling domestic production. It has been published on the Ministry of Defence’s website, and stakeholders have been invited to submit feedback by early March 2026.
A key reform in DAP-2026 is the institutionalised preference for the “Buy (Indian-IDDM)” category, which prioritises equipment that is indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured. This is intended to deepen self-reliance by significantly reducing import dependence while promoting domestic capabilities.
The procedural updates include exclusive pathways for faster acquisition of technologically mature equipment, streamlined financial and experience criteria to broaden industry participation (including startups and MSMEs), and enhanced digitisation and automation of procurement processes to improve transparency and efficiency. Trial and quality assurance procedures are also being overhauled to better match the pace of modern defence technology cycles.
Furthermore, the new draft proposes differentiated procurement strategies based on technology availability and manufacturing readiness, including provisions for spiral development of major platforms and pragmatic evaluation of indigenous content. These reforms aim to ensure that acquisition timelines are shortened, decision-making is delegated effectively, and the overall defence manufacturing ecosystem is strengthened.
Officials and industry experts view the draft as a strategic pivot toward a more responsive and innovation-driven procurement model that supports India’s broader national security and defense industrialization goals.
