In a significant step toward enhancing transparency, efficiency, and alignment with national priorities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The directives for such initiatives are based on the declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms' to modernise governance structures and policy frameworks.

The review aims to optimise DAP 2020 with evolving national policies, including the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision, the 'Make in India' initiative, keeping with the advancements in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and autonomous systems. The goal is to streamline procurement processes, ensure greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing, and enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through timely and cost-effective acquisitions.

The review aims to optimise DAP 2020 with evolving national policies, including the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision and the 'Make in India' initiative

A high-level Committee, chaired by the Director General (Acquisition), has been constituted to spearhead this initiative. The panel comprises senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, key representatives from the Indian defence industry, academic experts, and policy analysts. Their mandate is to conduct extensive consultations with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, as well as with end-users within the Armed Forces.

Adding considerable weight to the initiative, the Ministry has appointed Apurva Chandra, a former IAS officer of the 1980 batch, as a special advisor to the Committee. Chandra, who previously served as DG (Acquisition), brings with him a wealth of experience in defence procurement and public policy formulation.

A high-level Committee, chaired by the Director General (Acquisition) has been constituted to spearhead this initiative

A senior MoD official stated, "This review reflects our commitment to evolving a future-ready defence acquisition system that is robust, responsive, and aligned with our national goals. By integrating stakeholder feedback, technological foresight, and best practices, we aim to create a more agile and transparent procurement process."

The Committee is expected to submit its recommendations in phases, with an emphasis on fast-tracking indigenous procurement, promoting MSME participation, and ensuring compliance with environmental and ethical standards.

This strategic initiative signals a pivotal moment in India's defence policy evolution, reinforcing the government's resolve to fortify national security through systemic reform and innovation.

The Committee is expected to submit its recommendations in phases, with an emphasis on fast-tracking indigenous procurement, promoting MSME participation, and ensuring compliance with environmental and ethical standards.

DAP's overhaul

The policy review aims to look at the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring the modernisation drive for national security.

It also aligns acquisition procedures with GoI policies and initiatives to achieve Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance) by promoting technology infusion through indigenously designed and developed systems.

The MoD also aims to enable 'Make in India' by promoting defence manufacturing in India through facilitation of Joint Ventures and Transfer of Technology for the private sector, encouraging foreign OEMs via FDI alignment, and establishing India as a global Defence manufacturing and MRO hub.

The Committee will review and promote Design & Development in both public and private sectors, with a focus on startups, innovators, and the private Defence Industry for indigenous technology infusion.

At the same time, the MoD has sought stakeholder suggestions on the Policy and procedural changes to streamline acquisition processes, covering categorisation, ease of doing business, conduct of trials, and post-contract management, Fast Track procedures, and adoption of new technologies such as AI.

The MoD also issued statements for the language improvements to eliminate ambiguity, remove inconsistencies, and enhance procedural clarity in the DAP.

 

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.