DAP 2026 to Drive Shift from 'Make in India' to 'Own in India' in Defence Sector

India's Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026 is poised to usher in a significant strategic shift within the nation's defence sector, moving from a 'Make in India' approach to an emphasis on 'Own in India'. This policy direction was articulated by Dipti Mohil Chawla of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), as reported by Moneycontrol.com.

The transition signals a deeper commitment to indigenous capabilities, aiming to foster not just domestic manufacturing but also the complete ownership of design, intellectual property, and critical technologies. While 'Make in India' focused on local production, the 'Own in India' philosophy seeks to cultivate a robust ecosystem where India develops, designs, and fully controls its defence hardware and strategic systems.

This strategic evolution under DAP 2026 is expected to enhance India's self-reliance in defence, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for crucial military equipment and platforms. By promoting indigenous design and intellectual property, the policy aims to build a sustainable and innovative defence industrial base.

The statement from the MoD's Dipti Mohil Chawla highlights the government's intent to accelerate the nation's journey towards true strategic autonomy. This shift is anticipated to have profound implications for defence manufacturers, research and development organizations, and the broader technological landscape within the country, fostering advanced domestic capabilities.

What to watch: Specific policy changes and initiatives introduced under DAP 2026 to facilitate this transition.

Editor's note: Correctly reports the DAP 2026 shift and the quoted MoD official without extraneous claims.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: Defence (aggregate)