Defence Industry Calls for Timebound Review of Acquisition Rules

While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is working to finalize a new version of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) before the end of this calendar year, it has not yet communicated a clear roadmap or timeline for the completion of the comprehensive review of the existing DAP 2020, private defence industry insiders told Business Standard.

- BHASWAR KUMAR

While the industry hopes for an expeditious conclusion to the review process, major players remain cautiously optimistic given how the process is unfolding.

"Several stakeholder meetings have taken place, and discussions are ongoing. We appreciate the open-minded and pragmatic approach shown by the MoD," an industry insider said.

Industry insiders are encouraged by what they describe as a genuine intent by the MoD to streamline procedures and shorten procurement cycles. "There is a willingness to consider industry feedback and adopt rational suggestions, and there have been continued engagements to build consensus," said one source.

Highlighting a key concern for both the armed forces and industry, one private sector executive stressed that whenever the draft of the revised DAP is shared with stakeholders, it must include clear measures to enforce shorter procurement—rather than simply outlining deadlines.

"While the process is underway, a clear roadmap for the completion of the review has not been communicated to the industry yet," added the source.