Pune: The Headquarters Base Workshop Group (HQ BWG) of the Indian Army and the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Army Base Workshop, Southern Command, Pune.
The agreement aims to accelerate Defence Land Systems innovation, indigenisation, and research-driven development through enhanced Military-Civil Fusion.
Under the MoU, MCCIA will coordinate with the Indian Army to establish a dedicated portfolio for Defence Land Systems and facilitate collaborative Indigenisation, Research and Development (IR&D) projects.
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Products developed under this initiative will either be directly adopted by the Army or upscaled with MCCIA’s support to meet operational requirements. The chamber will also provide expert consultation and technical guidance aligned with HQ BWG’s objectives.
Focus on Emerging Technologies and Local Manufacturing
The collaboration will prioritize the development of local manufacturers for the indigenisation and upgrading of Armoured Vehicles. It will also focus on integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles into land systems.
An incubation cluster will be established at the Army Base Workshop in Pune, serving as a collaborative platform for the Indian Army, industry stakeholders, think tank experts, and academia to jointly design and execute defence technology projects.
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Pune to Emerge as a Defence Land Systems Hub
The MoU outlines a long-term vision to position Pune as a Defence Land Systems Technology Development and Manufacturing hub, as well as a centre for Defence R&D and innovation. It also seeks to establish the city as a global export hub for defence land system products.
The initiative further emphasizes creating industry-ready skilled manpower programmes for defence manufacturing, providing a boost to employment in the sector.
It also includes fostering start-ups, hosting technology exhibitions and shows, and enhancing international cooperation to strengthen India’s defence ecosystem.
