As part of India’s strategic vision for self-reliance and defense modernization, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Reforms”, focusing on streamlining procurement processes and enhancing defense manufacturing capabilities in the country.
A dedicated Review Committee, chaired by the Director General (Acquisition), has been formed to conduct structured deliberations across military, industrial, and academic stakeholders. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating the evolving national security architecture with progressive defense industrial policies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Objective of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 Review
The primary objective of the current review is to enhance the operational readiness and modernization of the Indian Armed Forces by ensuring that acquisition processes are efficient, transparent, and aligned with India’s strategic imperatives. In particular, the updated DAP aims to:
- Ensure timely procurement of defense equipment to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Facilitate self-reliance in defense production by incorporating policies that support indigenous design, development, and manufacturing (IDDM) initiatives.
- Strengthen the role of Indian defense startups, MSMEs, and private sector entities in contributing to cutting-edge technologies and indigenous platforms.
- Promote India as a global hub for defense manufacturing, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, aligned with the Make in India and FDI in Defence initiatives.
Composition and Leadership of the Review Committee
The Committee comprises senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, representatives from the defense manufacturing ecosystem, and leading academic experts in defense procurement and industrial policy. In a move underscoring the strategic depth of the review, the MoD has appointed Shri Apurva Chandra, a retired IAS officer from the 1980 batch and former Director General (Acquisition), as the Principal Advisor to the Committee.
The panel commenced its consultations in June 2025 and has issued an open invitation for suggestions from stakeholders, including defense manufacturers, think tanks, industry associations, and service veterans. It is inviting inputs by July 5, 2025, via email to secy-dap2025@gov.in.
Key Areas of Focus for the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 Review
The Committee is examining a wide range of issues critical to transforming India’s defense acquisition ecosystem. Stakeholders are specifically encouraged to submit suggestions on the following aspects:
1. Policy and Procedural Modernization:
This will involve the following –
- Optimization of acquisition categories for increased flexibility and responsiveness.
- Streamlining of Fast Track Procurement (FTP) channels for urgent operational requirements.
- Simplification of processes to enhance the Ease of Doing Business for defense contractors.
- Integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Unmanned Systems, and Cyber Warfare solutions.
2. Post-Contract Management
Establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for effective contract lifecycle management, addressing recurring bottlenecks in supply chain logistics and warranty enforcement.
3. Language and Structural Revisions
it will entail the successful removal of inconsistencies in current provisions and redrafting of clauses for enhanced procedural clarity and elimination of legal ambiguities.
4. Promotion of Indigenous Design and Innovation
Finally, then committee will focus on the development of frameworks that encourage public-private collaboration, especially with defense startups, R&D institutions, and Technology Development Fund (TDF)-backed projects. It will also be encouraging Joint Ventures (JVs) and Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangements with foreign OEMs, under revised FDI caps permitted by the DPIIT.
Strategic Impact of the DAP 2020 Review
By updating the DAP 2020 in accordance with current policy reforms, the Ministry of Defence aims to:
- Accelerate the transition from buyer to builder in India’s defense sector.
- Enhance transparency and efficiency across the procurement lifecycle.
- Reduce strategic dependencies on foreign vendors while cultivating a resilient domestic supply chain.
This review underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that India’s national defense apparatus is not only robust and responsive but also aligned with the global standards of procurement and technology assimilation.
