Critically analyze the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 as a tool for promoting self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence manufacturing.

Q. Critically analyze the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 as a tool for promoting self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence manufacturing. (15 marks, 250-350 words)

The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which replaced the Defence Procurement Procedure and is maintained by the Ministry of Defence with amendments up to 2024 [1], reorganised capital acquisition around the goal of Aatmanirbharta. As an instrument of indigenisation it has delivered visible procedural results, but its promise is limited by execution rather than intent.

Strengths as an enabler of self-reliance - Priority to indigenous design: the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category places indigenously designed, developed and manufactured systems at the top of the acquisition hierarchy — an entire DAC round of 10 proposals worth about Rs 1.05 lakh crore was cleared exclusively under this category [2]. - Demand creation for domestic industry: recent Acceptance of Necessity approvals of roughly Rs 52,000 crore covered DRDO-linked systems such as AKASH TARANG anti-UAV, MPATGM, MRSAM and V-SHORADS, converting policy preference into orders [3]. - Widening the vendor base: DAP 2020 was amended to strengthen 'Make in India', easing entry for the private sector, startups and joint ventures [4]. - Technology absorption through Transfer of Technology and design-and-development routes for public and private players [5].

Limitations - Long gestation: AoN is only in-principle approval; RFP, trials, negotiation and CCS clearance follow, so induction lags approval by years [3]. - Procedural complexity prompted the MoD itself to constitute a DG (Acquisition)-headed committee in 2025 for a comprehensive review of DAP 2020, with a Draft DAP 2026 now in public consultation [5][1]. - Shallow indigenisation: high-value platforms often remain import-dependent in engines, sensors and critical components. - Design-and-development capacity in the private sector is still thin relative to the orders being placed.

DAP 2020 has therefore shifted procurement from import-led buying to indigenous sourcing, but self-reliance depends on what follows approval. Faster contracting, sustained R&D funding and deeper private participation — the very objectives of the ongoing review — can convert procedural preference into genuine technological sovereignty, advancing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

(~320 words)

Sources: 1. Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, Ministry of Defence — DAP 2020 as the governing framework, amendments to 2024, Draft DAP 2026 in public consultation 2. DAC clears 10 capital acquisition proposals worth approx. Rs 1.05 lakh crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, PIB — primacy of the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category in practice 3. DAC approves capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 52,000 crore to enhance combat readiness of Defence Forces, PIB — Rs 52,000 crore AoN; AKASH TARANG, MPATGM, MRSAM, V-SHORADS; AoN as in-principle approval 4. Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 amended to promote 'Make in India' & 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence, PIB — amendments widening domestic and private-sector participation 5. MoD Initiates Comprehensive Review of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 to Align with National Reforms, PIB — DG (Acquisition) committee; objectives of technology infusion, ToT and design & development