Overview
- The Defence Ministry has posted the draft DAP-2026 for consultation, saying it will replace DAP-2020 after approval, with comments due by March 3.
- Policy emphasis shifts from manufacturing alone to Indian ownership of design data, source code and upgrade authority, with priority to Buy (Indian‑IDDM) procurements.
- The draft promises shorter timelines through delegated decision-making, greater digitisation, eased financial and experience thresholds, revamped trials and quality assurance, and scope for parallel processing.
- Exclusive procedures are proposed for fast-evolving technologies, including spiral design and early exploitation before bulk orders, while aerospace acquisitions will be addressed through a separate procedure later.
- Separate reporting indicates stricter curbs on Chinese-made components in military drones are being developed, though such measures are not yet codified in the draft.