Updated: June 21, 2025
Key Highlights
- Panel Constituted: A high-powered committee, headed by the Director General (Acquisition), has been set up to comprehensively review the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. m.economictimes.comeconomictimes.indiatimes.com
- Mandate: Streamline procurement timelines, bolster self‑reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, and integrate emerging technologies. m.economictimes.combusiness-standard.com
- Stakeholder Input: Representatives from the defence industry, academia, and former DG (Acquisition) Apurva Chandra (1980 batch) have been invited to submit suggestions by July 5, 2025. m.economictimes.comhindustantimes.com
Expert Analysis
“In revisiting DAP 2020, the ministry is aiming to cut red tape and encourage private-sector innovation,” says Dr. Arjun Mehta, Professor of Defence Studies at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) with over 12 years researching defence procurement. Profile timesofindia.indiatimes.com
“Faster contract clearances and clarity on offsets can significantly boost indigenous manufacturing — a critical step towards strategic autonomy.”
5 Key Takeaways
- Faster Timelines: Targets reducing average procurement cycle from 2–3 years to under 18 months.
- Industry Participation: Opens doors for startups and MSMEs by simplifying bid procedures.
- Tech Infusion: Focus on AI, drones, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
- Transparency Measures: Proposes a secure online portal for real‑time tender tracking.
- Policy Alignment: Syncs with the Ministry of Defence’s 2025 ‘Year of Reforms’ agenda. newkerala.com
Timeline of DAP 2020 Development
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Sep 2020 | DAP 2020 launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh |
| Jun 19, 2025 | Committee notified; stakeholder consultations begin |
| Jul 5, 2025 | Deadline for industry and academia to submit feedback |
| Q4 2025 (TBC) | Revised DAP 2020 draft expected to be tabled before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) |
What Happens Next?
- Stakeholder Workshops: Regional workshops across New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in late June.
- Interim Report: Expected by September 2025, with phased implementation from Q1 2026.
- Monitoring: Quarterly “Procurement Health” dashboard to be published on MoD’s official portal.
Daily Digest
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FAQs (Last Revised: June 21, 2025)
Q: Who is leading the committee?
A: The Director General (Acquisition) heads the panel, with former DG Apurva Chandra as Principal Advisor.
Q: How can MSMEs participate?
A: Submit proposals and feedback via email to secy-dap2025@gov.in by July 5.
Q: Will foreign vendors be impacted?
A: The review prioritizes indigenous design, but global players can partner under ‘Make in India’ clauses.
Fact‑Check
- Claim: “The review will cut defence spend by 20%.”
- Verdict: Unverified. Official statements focus on efficiency, not budget cuts.
- Claim: “AI integration is mandatory for all tenders.”
- Verdict: False. AI is listed as a priority area, not a universal requirement.
