The Indian defence industry is advocating for a significant shift in procurement strategy, urging the government to identify 'national champions'—a select group of manufacturers that would receive long-term contracts and support. This approach, modeled after successful frameworks in countries like South Korea and the United States, aims to foster sustained research and development (R&D) and enhance global competitiveness. However, the current procurement landscape, characterized by short-term tenders, limits companies' ability to invest in technology and infrastructure. The draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026, released in February, could potentially facilitate this shift, but it does not explicitly endorse the national champions concept. Historical attempts to establish such a framework have faced challenges, including opposition from public sector unions. Despite these hurdles, the draft DAP 2026 proposes reductions in procurement timelines and aims to integrate civilian and military sectors, signaling a cautious optimism for the private sector's role in defence manufacturing. As the industry awaits clearer government direction, the success of the proposed changes remains to be seen.