According to the Ministry, the proposed DAP-2026 reflects the rapidly evolving geo-strategic landscape, the growing size of the Indian economy, advancements in defence technology, and the increasing role of the private sector in national security.
DAP-2026 to Replace Existing Procurement Framework
Once approved, the Defence Acquisiti on Procedure 2026 will replace the existing DAP-2020, which has governed India’s capital defence procurement for the past several years. The new draft builds on lessons learnt from previous procurement cycles and aims to address delays, procedural complexity, and technological obsolescence.
DAP remains the cornerstone of India’s defence procurement architecture and a key instrument of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The proposed framework institutionalises preference for the “Buy (Indian-IDDM)” category, ensuring priority for indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured defence equipment.
This approach is expected to significantly reduce import dependence while encouraging domestic research, design capabilities, and long-term industrial self-reliance.
Focus on Speed, Technology and Modern Warfare
The draft procedure introduces categorisation and procurement strategies based on technological availability and manufacturing readiness. Special provisions have been included for faster acquisition of systems with short technological life cycles, where delays can render equipment obsolete.
It also promotes spiral development and procurement of major platforms, enabling gradual induction of advanced capabilities while incorporating feedback from field usage. This allows exploitation of modern technology before committing to bulk procurement.
The draft further provides for pragmatic evaluation of Indigenous Content and Indigenous Design, encouraging the use of locally developed military materials across procurement categories..
Boost for Industry, Innovation and Exports
To ensure wider participation, the draft DAP proposes easing financial and experience criteria, allowing greater inclusion of startups, MSMEs, and emerging private defence manufacturers. Delegation of decision-making powers has also been expanded to reduce delays and speed up acquisitions.
The procedure envisages revamping trial methodologies and quality assurance processes, along with aggressive infusion of digitisation and automation across acquisition workflows. These reforms aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and predictability for both the armed forces and industry.
A strong focus has been placed on indigenous design, retention of intellectual property rights within the country, and incentives for innovation. The draft also seeks to boost defence exports while restricting imports to only critical equipment that is not available domestically.
Public Consultation and Submission Timeline
The complete Draft DAP-2026 document, along with the Handbook on Guidelines and Annexures, has been uploaded on the Ministry of Defence website at mod.gov.in.
The Ministry has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders, including industry, academia, and domain experts. Feedback must be submitted in the prescribed format via email in PDF or MS Word form by March 3, 2026.
The government has clarified that while the Defence Procurement Manual 2025 deals with maintenance and sustenance under revenue expenditure, DAP exclusively governs capital procurement of defence platforms and systems.
Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
The Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026 aims to weave national security and technological growth into a single framework. By aligning procurement with future warfare requirements and industrial capability, the policy seeks to create a strong foundation for India’s long-term strategic autonomy.
The initiative is seen as a critical step towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with a modern, self-reliant, and globally competitive defence ecosystem.
