India to Expedite Defence Procurement Process by June 2025
India’s Ministry of Defence is set to implement significant reforms to expedite the defence procurement process by June 2025, as announced by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. This initiative aims to address longstanding delays and inefficiencies in acquiring critical military equipment, thereby enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.
The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, a comprehensive document outlining procurement guidelines, is currently under review. The objective is to streamline procedures, reduce timelines, and make the process more industry-friendly. Historically, major defence acquisitions in India have taken up to five or six years to finalize, often due to complex procedures and extended field trials.
One of the key reforms under consideration is the simplification of the ‘Make-II’ procedure, which focuses on the indigenization of defence equipment through industry-funded prototype development. Proposed changes include incorporating single-stage composite trials of prototypes and eliminating certain approval stages, potentially reducing timelines from the existing 122-180 weeks to approximately 101-109 weeks.
These reforms align with the broader ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which emphasizes reducing dependence on foreign defence imports and promoting indigenous manufacturing. The Defence Ministry has released indigenization lists, aiming to domestically produce various equipment and platforms by December 2025, potentially resulting in state orders worth over ₹2,10,000 crore for the Indian defence industry in the next five years.
Additionally, the Indian government is advancing the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands to enhance jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This restructuring aims to improve operational efficiency and resource utilization, further strengthening India’s defence capabilities.
By implementing these measures, the Ministry of Defence seeks to create a more efficient procurement system, ensuring that the Armed Forces are equipped with the necessary tools to address emerging security challenges effectively.
