MOU Between Indian Army & MCCIA At Army Base Workshop, Southern Command, Pune

Headquarters Base Workshop Group (HQ BWG), Indian Army and Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance Military Civil Fusion and integration to give an impetus to Indigenisation, Research and Development (IR&D) and innovation. MCCIA is a Maharashtra based Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to the advancement of industry, trade and agriculture and promoting Pune region as an attractive investment destination and a key hub for exports of goods and services.

The MoU aims to provide all necessary inputs and coordinate with the Indian Army to formulate a dedicated segment/portfolio for Defence Land Systems. It seeks to identify, exchange and undertake IR&D projects that address the research and joint development needs of HQ BWG, with developed products being adopted either as it is or after further upscaling through MCCIA’s coordination. The partnership will provide expert advice, consultation, and guidance by leveraging technical expertise in alignment with HQ BWG’s objectives and requirements.

The collaboration focuses on developing local manufacturers for upgrades and indigenisation in Armoured Vehicles, while also integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles into Indian Army Land Systems. An incubation cluster will be established at Army Base Workshop, Pune, providing a collaborative platform for stakeholders including the Indian Army, think tank experts, industries, and academia to brainstorm, create, and execute projects.

The MoU further envisions promoting the region as a Defence Land System Technology Development and Manufacturing hub, as well as a Defence Research & Development (R&D) and innovation centre, and ultimately as an export hub for Defence Land System products. It also emphasizes facilitating industry-ready skilled manpower programmes for the Base Workshop to enhance employment in the defence sector. Additionally, it aims to promote the region as a globally recognized emerging Defence Technology hub, develop a model that can be replicated across the country and establish a common platform for start-ups, exhibitions, technological shows, and international cooperation.