The Government of India has unveiled the Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026, signalling a major overhaul of the country’s defence procurement framework. The draft document, now uploaded on the official website of the Ministry of Defence, seeks to align India’s military acquisition processes with the rapidly evolving geo-strategic landscape and emerging global security challenges.

The Defence Ministry has invited comments and suggestions from a wide range of stakeholders, including the armed forces, defence public sector undertakings, private industry players, start-ups, think tanks and citizens. This consultative approach reflects the government’s intent to create a more responsive and forward-looking procurement ecosystem.

The proposed DAP 2026 aims to address new forms of warfare, technological disruptions, regional security uncertainties and the need for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Why a New DAP is Necessary

India’s security environment has changed significantly in recent years. From border tensions and maritime challenges to cyber warfare and space-based threats, the nature of conflict is undergoing transformation. The government has acknowledged that defence acquisition procedures must keep pace with these developments.

The current framework, though reformed multiple times, has faced criticism for:

• Lengthy procurement timelines

• Procedural complexities

• Limited integration between services

• Insufficient support for innovation and indigenous industry

The Draft DAP 2026 seeks to correct these shortcomings while ensuring that procurement decisions remain transparent, efficient and aligned with national security priorities.

According to the government, aligning acquisition policy with the geo-strategic landscape is critical because India’s defence preparedness cannot be static in a dynamic world order.

Focus on Geo-Strategic Realities

The term geo-strategic landscape in the context of DAP 2026 refers to multiple global and regional factors:

• Heightened tensions along borders

• Growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region

• Emerging defence partnerships

• Technological competition among major powers

• Hybrid warfare and grey-zone tactics

India is simultaneously navigating complex relations with neighbouring countries while expanding defence cooperation with strategic partners. The procurement framework must therefore support rapid capability development.

The draft document reportedly emphasises that acquisitions should be guided not only by immediate operational needs but also by long-term strategic vision.

Encouraging Self-Reliance and Indigenous Production

A key pillar of the draft DAP 2026 is strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. Over the past few years, the government has promoted domestic manufacturing through:

• Positive indigenisation lists

• Higher domestic content requirements

• Support for MSMEs and start-ups

• Incentives for private sector participation

The new draft is expected to further streamline categories such as:

• Buy (Indian – IDDM)

• Buy and Make (Indian)

• Strategic Partnership Model

By prioritising indigenous design, development and manufacturing, the government aims to reduce import dependence and boost India’s defence exports.

The draft procedure is likely to refine definitions of domestic value addition and clarify eligibility criteria to prevent ambiguity.

Faster and Simplified Procurement Process

One of the major objectives of DAP 2026 is reducing delays in acquisition. Historically, defence deals have taken several years from acceptance of necessity to contract signing.

The draft reportedly proposes measures to:

• Simplify approval stages

• Introduce digital documentation systems

• Reduce redundant evaluations

• Empower field formations with delegated powers

By shortening timelines, the government hopes to ensure that the armed forces receive modern equipment in time, rather than after operational relevance has diminished.

Integration of Advanced Technologies

Modern warfare increasingly relies on technologies such as:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Cyber capabilities

• Space-based systems

• Unmanned aerial and maritime platforms

• Electronic warfare

The draft DAP 2026 recognises that acquisition policies must adapt to fast-changing technological cycles. Traditional procurement models designed for large hardware platforms may not suit rapidly evolving digital technologies.

To address this, the draft may include:

• Flexible procurement pathways for emerging technologies

• Faster trial and evaluation cycles

• Collaboration with start-ups and innovation hubs

• Provisions for leasing and modular upgrades

Such reforms aim to ensure that India’s armed forces remain technologically competitive.

Strengthening the Role of the Private Sector

Over the last decade, India has witnessed growing participation of private companies in defence production. However, procedural hurdles and uncertainty have sometimes limited private sector expansion.

The draft DAP 2026 seeks to:

• Create a level playing field between public and private players

• Encourage joint ventures and foreign collaboration

• Provide clearer long-term procurement visibility

• Enhance transparency in evaluation and selection

Greater integration of private enterprise is seen as essential to harness India’s manufacturing and technological capabilities.

The government believes that combining the institutional experience of defence PSUs with the agility of private industry can accelerate capability development.

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