From Southern Command HQ To NDA: Why Pune Is India's Defence Powerhouse

We all know that Pune is known as an educational hub and the Oxford of the East, but little do we know that Pune hosts at least 10 defence institutions and is a powerhouse of Indian defence.

From research at DIAT to making future soldiers at NDA, Pune has it all. Not just the Army, it also has institutions related to the Navy and Air Force.

Check the list here:

National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla

Premier joint training institute for cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

College of Military Engineering (CME), Dapodi

Technical training college for Indian Army engineers.

Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Girinagar

Research and education institute specializing in advanced defence technology (under DRDO).

DRDO Labs in Pune (e.g., R&DE – Research & Development Establishment)

Advanced defence research across multiple domains (robotics, missiles, electronics, etc.).

Ordnance Factory, Khadki (OFK)

Manufacturing of arms and ammunition for the Indian military.

Military Intelligence Training School & Depot (MINTSD), Pune Camp

Provides military intelligence training to Indian Army personnel.

Southern Command Headquarters, Pune Cantonment

One of the key operational commands of the Indian Army.

Air Force Station, Lohegaon (Pune)

Indian Air Force base supporting both training and operational roles.

INS Shivaji, Lonavala (Pune District)

Premier training establishment of the Indian Navy for marine engineering and technical officers.

Defence Security Corps (DSC), Pune

Provides security to defence installations across the country.

Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Wanowrie

AFMC trains medical undergraduates and postgraduates for the Indian Armed Forces. It also conducts research in military medicine and healthcare.

Published on: Tuesday, May 06, 2025, 07:41 PM IST