Defence Capsule: IDDM Category and Precision Glide Bombs – 27 September 2026

What happened

The SAT-SAAW contract is a useful revision hook for the procurement category Buy (Indian – IDDM) — Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured. Under this route, systems must meet indigenous design and content norms, supporting Atmanirbhar defence production.

SAT-SAAW’s targeted indigenous content of about 60%, with sub-systems such as Inertial Measurement Unit, Long Impact Delay Fuse and Twin Store Carrier being indigenised, illustrates how IDDM contracts push domestic supply chains.

Background

Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) defines categories such as Buy (Indian – IDDM), Buy (Indian), Buy and Make (Indian), etc. DRDO designs often transfer to DPSUs like BDL, BEL or HAL for production.

Why it matters for exams

Category expansions and DPSU roles are repeatedly asked in CDS, CAPF and UPSC defence questions.

Key facts for exams

• IDDM = Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured
• SAT-SAAW example: Buy (Indian – IDDM)
• Designer DRDO → production partner BDL
• Stand-off air-to-ground strike on airfields
• Defence Secretary at signing: Rajesh Kumar Singh (as per PIB)

Practice MCQs

1. In DAP terminology, IDDM expands to:

   (A) International Defence Development Mandate
   (B) Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured
   (C) Indian Drone Deployment Manual
   (D) Integrated Defence Depot Management

   Answer: (B) – IDDM is Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured.

2. Which is a defence PSU associated with missiles/guided weapons production?

   (A) SAIL
   (B) BDL
   (C) NTPC
   (D) GAIL

   Answer: (B) – Bharat Dynamics Limited produces missiles and guided weapons.

3. A stand-off weapon is best described as one that:

   (A) Requires physical bayonet contact
   (B) Can be launched from a safe distance outside enemy short-range defences
   (C) Is only used by infantry
   (D) Cannot be guided

   Answer: (B) – Stand-off range allows launch from outside close air defences.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2313942