**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Defence released the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026 on February 13, 2026, designed to replace the 2020 version. DAP 2026 aims to bolster self-reliance, accelerate acquisition timelines, empower the Indian defence industry, and reduce import dependency. The Ministry of Defence seeks suggestions and comments from all stakeholders on the uploaded draft.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **General Objectives:**
* Bolster self-reliance in defence acquisition.
* Accelerate acquisition timelines.
* Empower the Indian defence industrial ecosystem.
* Reduce import dependency.
* Position India as a global leader in defence technology.
* **Major Changes Compared to DAP 2020:**
* Procurement categories reduced from 5 to 4.
* Indigenous design defined to promote Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance).
* Indigenous Content raised from 50% to 60% in Buy Indigenous Design, Development & Manufacturer category, with incentives provided.
* Involving subject experts in SQR/Specifications finalization and trial oversight.
* New procedures: Long Term Bulk Acquisition and Low-Cost Capital Acquisition for fast-moving, low-cost tech items.
* Introduction of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) based categorization.
* Ab-initio single vendor allowed for Buy (Indian-indigenous design, development, and manufacture) for TRL 6 to 9 equipment.
* Two-stage trials provision introduced.
* Refined Fast Track Procedure with downward delegation for procurement involving emerging & shorter development cycle technology.
* Compensation for all vendors successful in trial evaluations.
* Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) selection for DRDO projects reviewed to ensure a level playing field.
* Make/iDEX projects updated with Spiral development & 05 years of assured orders.
* Services to choose the mode of QA trials for faster procurement cycle
* Monitoring of timelines from Request for Information (RFI) onwards and planning concurrent activities for reduced acquisition timelines.
**Impact Analysis**
**All Stakeholders**
* **Impact:** The DAP 2026 aims to improve efficiency and indigenous manufacturing in the defence sector, impacting manufacturers, suppliers, and the Ministry of Defence.
* **Action Required:** Provide suggestions and comments on the draft DAP 2026, which has been uploaded on the official MoD website.
Key Entities Referenced
DAP 2026: Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026, proposed to replace the DAP 2020 and streamline defence procurement.
Ministry of Defence: The Indian government ministry responsible for the DAP 2026 policy.
DAP 2020: The existing Defence Acquisition Procedure which DAP 2026 aims to replace.
Ministry of Defence
DAP 2026 proposes transformative leap in India's
defence procurement framework
Posted On: 13 FEB 2026 7:46PM by PIB Delhi
The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026, the draft of which was released recently by the Ministry
of Defence to replace the existing 2020 version, has been designed to bolster self-reliance, accelerate
acquisition timelines, and empower the Indian defence industrial ecosystem. It aims to achieve a greater
indigenous defence manufacturing base, reduce import dependency and position India as a global leader in
defence technology by streamlining processes, enhancing indigenous content mandates & introducing
innovative procurement categories. The major changes proposed in DAP 2026 as compared to DAP 2020
are as follows:
Procurement categories reduced from 5 to 4
Indigenous design defined in DAP to promote Aatmanirbharta
Indigenous Content raised from 50% to 60% in Buy Indigenous Design, Development &
Manufacturer category and providing incentives
Involving subject experts in the finalisation of SQR/Specifications and oversight of Trials
New procedures (i) Long Term Bulk Acquisition for industry visibility and (ii) Low-Cost Capital
Acquisition for fast-moving, low-cost tech items introduced
Introduction of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) based categorisation
Ab-initio single vendor allowed in Buy (Indian-indigenous design, development, and manufacture)
for TRL 6 to 9 equipment
Provision for Two-stage trials introduced
Fast Track Procedure refined with downward delegation for procurement involving emerging &
shorter development cycle technology
Compensation to all vendors who are successful in trial evaluations
Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) selection for DRDO projects reviewed to ensure level
playing field
Make/iDEX projects updated with Spiral development & 05 years of assured orders
Services to choose the mode of QA trials for faster procurement cycle
Monitoring of timelines from Request for Information (RFI) onwards and planning concurrent
activities to achieve reduced timelines for acquisition
The draft DAP 2026 has been uploaded on the official MoD website seeking suggestions and comments
from all stakeholders.
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