The Ministry of Defence has unveiled the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026, inviting input from stakeholders in a move aimed at accelerating indigenisation and enhancing self-reliance in the defence sector, in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Capital procurement for the financial year 2026-27 is projected at approximately ₹2.19 lakh crore and is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2026. The Ministry is keen on launching the new procedural framework at the start of the next financial year, urging stakeholders to provide feedback by March 3.
Central to DAP 2026 is a commitment to the Buy Indian-IDDM category, which focuses on equipment that is Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured. This approach seeks to reduce reliance on imports while bolstering local manufacturing capabilities. However, the draft also acknowledges the necessity of importing critical systems that are not available domestically, aiming for a balanced procurement strategy.
The draft emphasizes the need for expedited modernisation through streamlined processes, enhanced delegation of financial and decision-making authority, and shortened acquisition timelines. It proposes distinct procurement pathways based on the maturity of technology, including swift routes for systems with shorter technology cycles, and provisions for the spiral development of major platforms.
To promote wider participation, the Ministry has suggested relaxing specific financial and experience criteria. This change is designed to encourage the involvement of domestic companies, especially newer and non-traditional defence suppliers. A stronger focus on evaluating indigenous content and design is also a core aspect of the procurement decisions outlined in the draft.
Digitisation and automation represent another critical focus area of DAP 2026. The proposal includes initiatives for data-driven decision-making, digital governance, enhanced transparency, and improved project tracking to facilitate timely acquisitions. Additionally, reforms to trials and quality assurance processes are recommended to modernize evaluations without introducing significant delays.
The draft also highlights the importance of intellectual property rights resulting from indigenous designs, with the aim of retaining these rights for Indian entities to encourage ongoing investment in research and development. DAP 2026 is designed to align capital procurement with the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, which governs revenue procurement, thereby ensuring clarity and coherence across defence spending.
Positioned as a pivotal measure for achieving Viksit Bharat-2047, the draft DAP 2026 aims to intertwine national security ambitions with technological advancement, industrial growth, and export potential. If implemented as proposed, the new framework is expected to significantly transform India’s defence procurement landscape, enhancing speed, transparency, and a strong orientation towards self-reliance, while preserving strategic flexibility.
