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Defence Procurement Policy (DAP)

PYQs

2

Articles

1

Momentum

9

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Critical for national security, 'Make in India' initiative, indigenous defence industry growth, efficient utilization of public funds, technological self-reliance, and strategic autonomy.

The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) is the framework governing capital acquisitions of the Indian Armed Forces, aiming to ensure self-reliance, transparency, and efficiency in defence procurement. It outlines various acquisition categories, procedures for indigenous manufacturing, and provisions for technology absorption and upgrades.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Objective

Modernize armed forces, promote indigenous manufacturing, ensure cost-effectiveness.

Key Provisions (current)

Allows Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) systems, streamlines upgrades, includes financial buffers for repairs/upgrades.

Challenge with Rapid Technology

Current transactional model struggles with rapidly evolving technologies like tactical drones, leading to obsolescence.

Proposed Shift

Move from transactional purchases to long-term 'managed service contracts' or partnerships for continuous upgrades and R&D.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaEmerging Information Technologies
Conceptual areaIndian Economy
Conceptual areaPublic Finance & Taxation

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of DefenceFormulates and implements
Indian Armed ForcesBeneficiary and end-user
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • DAP governs capital acquisitions for Indian Armed Forces.
  • Aims for self-reliance, transparency, and efficiency.
  • Current DAP allows COTS and streamlines upgrades.
  • Challenges with rapid tech evolution (e.g., drones) due to transactional model.
  • Shift towards long-term partnerships/managed service contracts proposed for continuous capability.

Elimination traps

Authority vs ministry — DAP is a policy document, not a body. Ministry of Defence formulates it.

Ministry sets policy; regulator often has quasi-judicial powers.

Topic timeline

Emerging Information TechnologiesIndian EconomyPublic Finance & Taxation
Prelims 2016· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India? 1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machi...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the expenditure made by an organisation or a company, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Acquiring new technology is ca...

Open question

Moving from drone purchases to drone partnerships

20 Jun 2026 · India's Defence Procurement Policy (DAP) is evolving to address challenges posed by rapidly changing defence technologies like drones, moving towards a partnership model for sustained capability and continuous upgrades.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Defence Procurement Policy (DAP)

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 2 linked questions on Defence Procurement Policy (DAP) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Defence Procurement Policy (DAP)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

With reference to the expenditure made by an organisation or a company, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Acquiring new technology is ca...

2022·Economy
Solve

Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India? 1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machi...

2016·Economy
Solve

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