Defence Ministry’s Bold Move to Overhaul Acquisition Procedures Aims for Greater Transparency and Efficiency

In a landmark move to boost transparency and efficiency, the Ministry of Defence has announced the formation of a high-level committee to review and reform defence acquisition procedures. This bold initiative signifies a decisive step by the government to modernize military procurement, streamline bureaucratic processes, and strengthen India’s defence capabilities.

The formation of this committee reflects the government’s strong intent to improve the way defence deals are planned, evaluated, and executed—aligning with India’s broader strategic goal of becoming a self-reliant defence powerhouse.

---

Committee to Review and Revise Defence Acquisition Procedures

The newly formed committee has been entrusted with the task of conducting a comprehensive review of existing defence acquisition procedures. Its mandate includes identifying procedural bottlenecks, simplifying complex frameworks, and proposing reforms that align with the rapidly evolving global and domestic defence landscape.

The committee will closely examine existing policies, notably the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), which has been updated periodically, with the most recent major revision introduced in 2020. Despite past reforms, several defence projects have faced delays due to red tape, procedural ambiguities, and lack of coordination among key stakeholders.

---

A Step Towards Transparent and Accountable Defence Procurement

Transparency remains a central concern in defence acquisition procedures worldwide. By initiating this review, the Defence Ministry seeks to introduce a procurement model that is not only faster and more efficient but also above suspicion.

Several global and domestic defence contractors have previously voiced concerns about the lack of clarity in India’s procurement processes. With this reformative approach, India aims to boost investor confidence and attract greater participation in indigenous defence manufacturing.

---

Emphasis on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in Defence

The government’s focus on self-reliance in defence is also a key driver behind this strategic review of defence acquisition procedures. Under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, India has already taken steps to limit imports of defence equipment and promote local manufacturing.

The committee’s recommendations are expected to support the Defence Ministry’s goal to increase domestic procurement, foster innovation through startups and MSMEs, and encourage technology transfers from global defence manufacturers.

This aligns with recent policy decisions that have included the creation of a negative import list, the promotion of defence corridors, and liberalisation of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the defence sector.

---

Addressing Delays and Cost Overruns

One of the critical aspects the committee will focus on is the persistent problem of delays and cost overruns in defence projects. Many high-value acquisitions, including aircraft, submarines, and missile systems, have suffered from procedural delays that impacted national security preparedness.

By refining the defence acquisition procedures, the Ministry hopes to create a streamlined system where contracts are awarded swiftly, performance is monitored efficiently, and accountability is firmly established.

---

Industry Stakeholders Welcome the Move

The Indian defence industry has welcomed this bold reform initiative. Leading industry experts and stakeholders believe that the review will create a more investor-friendly ecosystem, leading to increased private participation in defence manufacturing.

“India’s growing strategic needs must be supported by faster, cleaner acquisition mechanisms. This review could be the game-changer the defence sector has long awaited,” said a senior analyst at a defence think tank in New Delhi.

---

Global Implications and Strategic Partnerships

As India strengthens its position as a key global defence player, the overhaul of defence acquisition procedures could also have far-reaching implications for international partnerships. Countries like the United States, France, Israel, and Russia—India’s major defence partners—will closely watch how these reforms unfold.

Improved acquisition processes may lead to faster execution of defence agreements and facilitate smoother collaborations, including joint ventures and co-development of advanced defence technologies.

---

What’s Next? Expectations from the Committee

The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within a stipulated timeframe, followed by stakeholder consultations. The Ministry has assured that the reform process will be inclusive, taking into account inputs from armed forces, industry leaders, research institutions, and policy experts.

Once the new framework is finalized, it will likely replace or significantly revise the existing DAP, setting a new benchmark for defence acquisition procedures in India.

---

Conclusion: A Bold Leap Towards Defence Modernization

The decision by the Defence Ministry to review its acquisition framework is a courageous and necessary step. It underscores the government’s commitment to making India’s defence sector more robust, transparent, and self-sufficient. With a renewed focus on policy reforms and strategic modernization, the future of Indian defence procurement looks promising.

As the nation navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, reforming defence acquisition procedures is not just a policy move—it is a national imperative.