Defense Technology — Tech Evolutions

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 to Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020	2020	The transition from DPP 2016 to DAP 2020 represented a significant policy amendment in India's defense acquisition framework. DAP 2020 introduced several changes aimed at streamlining procurement, enhancing indigenous content, and promoting domestic manufacturing. Key changes included prioritizing 'Buy Indian (IDDM)' and 'Buy Indian' categories, introducing 'Leasing' as a new acquisition option, and simplifying trial procedures. It also emphasized the role of startups and MSMEs in the defense ecosystem.	This amendment significantly boosted the 'Make in India' initiative in defense by mandating higher indigenous content and providing a clearer roadmap for domestic procurement. It aimed to reduce acquisition timelines, foster greater private sector participation, and ultimately accelerate the indigenization of critical defense technologies, thereby enhancing India's self-reliance in military hardware.
FDI Policy Revision in Defence Sector	2020	In 2020, the government amended the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in the defense manufacturing sector. It allowed FDI up to 74% under the automatic route for defense manufacturing, and up to 100% through the government route where it is likely to result in access to modern technology. Previously, 49% FDI was allowed under the automatic route.	This policy revision aimed to attract greater foreign investment and advanced technology into India's defense manufacturing sector. The increased FDI limits were intended to encourage global defense majors to set up manufacturing facilities in India, foster joint ventures, and facilitate technology transfer, thereby contributing to indigenous production capabilities and reducing import dependence. It sought to integrate India more deeply into global defense supply chains.