The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026, the draft of which was released recently by the Ministry of Defence to replace the existing 2020 version, proposes a transformative leap in India’s defence procurement framework. The Ministry of Defence, in a statement, said that DAP 2026 has been designed to bolster self-reliance, accelerate acquisition timelines, and empower the Indian defence industrial ecosystem. The Ministry added that it aims to strengthen the indigenous defence manufacturing base, reduce import dependency, and position India as a global leader in defence technology by streamlining processes, enhancing indigenous content mandates, and introducing innovative procurement categories.
One of the key changes proposed in DAP 2026 is the reduction of procurement categories from five to four, thereby streamlining the acquisition framework. The draft places strong emphasis on indigenous design and development, as the indigenous content requirement in the Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured category has been increased from 50 per cent to 60 per cent, along with incentives.
The draft also proposes involving subject experts in the finalisation of Services Qualitative Requirements (SQRs) and in the oversight of trials. It introduces Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-based categorisation to better assess the maturity of technologies being procured.
Under DAP 2026, the Fast Track Procedure has been refined, with a downward delegation of powers for procurement involving emerging technologies and systems with shorter development cycles. In a move aimed at encouraging wider participation, the draft provides for compensation to all vendors who are successful in trial evaluations.
The selection process for Development-cum-Production Partners for DRDO projects has been reviewed to ensure a level playing field. Additionally, Make and iDEX projects have been updated to incorporate spiral development and provide five years of assured orders. The draft DAP 2026 has been uploaded on the official website of the Ministry, seeking suggestions and comments from all stakeholders.
