Defence Ministry Plans Faster Procurement, Trials to Be Replaced with Simulations

The Ministry of Defence is accelerating procurement by replacing lengthy field trials with digital simulations, expediting contract negotiations, and ensuring faster payments to vendors. This move, discussed with the Finance Ministry post-Operation Sindoor, aims to strengthen private sector participation in producing critical defence items like anti-drone systems and smart ammunition. The focus is on reducing delays in Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and project execution. While emergency procurement powers up to ₹40,000 crore are in place, overall defence spending isn’t expected to rise significantly. Despite slow capital expenditure (capex) absorption, strategic needs will be met without major budgetary constraints.