India's Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026 Aims for Indigenous Capability with Key Concerns
The Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026 (DAP 2026) is set to emphasize Indigenous Design, Development, and Manufacture (IDDM) as India aims for self-reliance in defense procurement. Concerns exist regarding intellectual property provisions and the adequacy of penalties for failing to meet indigenous content norms, which could undermine the policy's intent.

The DAP 2026 is a significant policy shift towards an 'Owned by India' doctrine, focusing on developing indigenous capabilities. Key strengths include strong guiding principles and an emphasis on transparency and fairness.
However, concerns were raised about the treatment of acquired intellectual property, which may not contribute effectively to indigenous capabilities. Stakeholder feedback is being sought by the Ministry of Defence before finalization.
There are calls for stricter penalties for non-compliance with indigenous content norms, which are currently seen as insufficient. Additionally, structural gaps exist, highlighting that IDDM does not apply universally across procurement categories.
The document also lacks provisions for mandatory training and simulation requirements. These issues may impact the effectiveness of the policy in achieving self-reliance in defense.




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