MoD to tweak procedures for acquisition of weapons & equipment

In an attempt to streamline the process of acquiring weapons and equipment to match the pace of technology change, the Ministry of Defence has initiated a review of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.

The Ministry of Defence has set up a committee to carry out extensive deliberations with all stakeholders. Former IAS officer Apurva Chandra, who has previously worked as Director General Acquisition, will be the principal advisor to the committee.

The aim of the review is to align the pace of acquisition to meet the operational requirements and modernisation of the armed forces. Among the focus area is to encourage in design and development in both public and private sectors. Start-ups, innovators, and the private defence industry will be priority for indigenous technology infusion.

Among other targets is to align acquisition procedures to achieve self-reliance by promoting technology infusion through indigenously designed and developed systems. Also to establish India as a global defence manufacturing and maintenance repair and overhaul hub.

The reformed DAP will look to have procedures that enable ‘Make in India' by promoting defence manufacturing in India through facilitation of joint ventures and transfer of technology for the private sector. This will encourage foreign original equipment manufacturers to use the FDI route.

The committee has invited suggestions on what kind of policy and procedural changes are needed to streamline acquisition processes, ease of doing business, conduct of trials of equipment, fast track procedures, and adoption of new technologies such as AI. Suggestions can be mailed by July 5 and can be emailed to secy-dap2025@gov.in

The committee includes senior officers from MoD, representatives from the defence industry and academia.