The Ministry of Defence has released the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026 for stakeholder feedback, marking a major step toward accelerating indigenisation and strengthening defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
According to the draft, capital procurement for FY 2026–27—estimated at around ₹2.19 lakh crore—is planned to commence from April 1, 2026, with the new procedure expected to be operationalised in sync with the next financial year. Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments and suggestions by March 3.
A key focus of DAP 2026 is the institutionalised prioritisation of the Buy Indian-IDDM category—Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured equipment—to reduce import dependence and deepen domestic manufacturing capabilities. At the same time, the framework allows for imports of critical systems not available domestically, signalling a balanced and pragmatic procurement approach.
The draft emphasises faster modernisation through streamlined procedures, greater delegation of financial and decision-making powers, and reduced acquisition timelines. It also proposes differentiated procurement pathways based on technology maturity, including quicker routes for systems with short technology cycles and provisions for spiral development of major platforms.
To widen participation, the MoD has proposed easing certain financial and experience criteria, enabling greater involvement of domestic firms, including new and non-traditional defence suppliers. Stronger evaluation of indigenous content and indigenous design has been highlighted as a core element of procurement decisions.
Digitisation and automation form another pillar of DAP 2026. The draft outlines plans for data-driven decision-making, digital governance, enhanced transparency, and improved project tracking to support timely and efficient acquisitions. Reforms to trials and quality assurance processes are also proposed to modernise evaluation without causing undue delays.
The procedure places renewed emphasis on intellectual property rights arising from indigenous design efforts, seeking to retain IPR with Indian entities and incentivise sustained investment in research and development. The draft also aligns capital procurement under DAP 2026 with the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, which governs revenue procurement, ensuring clearer demarcation and coherence across defence expenditure.
Framed as a key enabler of Viksit Bharat-2047, the draft DAP 2026 aims to integrate national security requirements with technological growth, industrial expansion and export potential. If finalised as proposed, it is expected to significantly reshape India’s defence procurement ecosystem—making it faster, more transparent and firmly oriented toward self-reliance while retaining strategic flexibility.
