Defence Acquisition Council

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):

It was set up in October 2001 following recommendations from Group of Ministers (GoMs) on ‘Reforming the National Security System.’

The need for DAC was felt post-Kargil conflict with Pakistan in 1999.

Chairman of DAC is Defence Minister.

Other members include:

Minister of State for Defence,
Chief of Army Staff,
Chief of Naval Staff,
Chief of Air Staff, Defence Secretary,
Secretary Defence Research & Development,
Secretary Defence Production,
Chief of Integrated Staff Committees (HQ IDS),
Director General (Acquisition) and
Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.

The main aim of the DAC is to fast-track procurement process of the armed forces by optimally utilising the available budget. 

DAC has been established for decision making in regard to the totality of the new planning process, which inter-alia involves according ‘in principle’ approval of Capital Acquisitions in the long term perspective plan and according ‘in principle’ approval for each Capital Acquisition programme. The decision flowing from the Defence Acquisition Council are to be implemented by the following three Boards:-

1. Defence Procurement Board headed by the Defence Secretary;
2. Defence Production Board headed by the Secretary (Defence Production);
3. Defence Research & Development Board headed by the Secretary (Defence Research & Development).