BEL and Safran Ink JV to Manufacture HAMMER Precision-Guided Weapon in India

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence (SED), France signed a major Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) in New Delhi to locally produce the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India. This agreement marks a critical milestone in India’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and defence indigenisation, aligning with the government’s long-term strategic goals under the Make-in-India initiative.

What is the HAMMER Weapon System?

HAMMER is a combat-proven, modular, and highly accurate air-to-ground precision-guided munition developed by Safran Electronics & Defence. It is adaptable for various fighter aircraft, including the Rafale and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

• Key features include,
• Modular design for flexible mission configurations
• Extended range and pin-point accuracy
• High reliability in diverse combat conditions
• This makes HAMMER a vital asset in India’s precision-strike capabilities.

Joint Venture Structure and Objectives

The joint venture will be incorporated as a private limited company with equal (50:50) shareholding between BEL and Safran.

The JV will,

• Manufacture, supply, and maintain HAMMER weapons within India
• Serve the operational needs of both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy
• Begin with transfer of production in phases
• Achieve up to 60% indigenisation, including local manufacturing of sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical parts

BEL will lead the final assembly, quality control, and testing phases of production, ensuring alignment with Indian standards and operational requirements.

Timeline and Strategic Milestones

• The intent to collaborate was first expressed in a MoU signed during Aero India 2025 (on 11 February 2025)
• With the current JVCA, the two companies reaffirm their commitment to forming a robust industrial base for guided weapons in India
• The transfer of technology and production ramp-up will occur in multiple phases, with localisation increasing over time
• This phased strategy ensures skill transfer, local supplier development, and capability building within India’s defence ecosystem.

India-France Defence Cooperation: A Trusted Partnership

India and France have built a strong defence relationship over decades, anchored by mutual trust and strategic alignment. From Rafale fighter jets to Scorpene-class submarines, the two nations have engaged in multiple high-value defence partnerships.

The HAMMER JV marks a deepening of this collaboration—bringing not just equipment, but also technology, skills, and production capacity to Indian soil.

Static Facts

• Date of JVCA Signing: 24 November 2025
• MoU Signed On: 11 February 2025, Aero India
• HAMMER: Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range
• Signatories: BEL CMD Manoj Jain and SED EVP Alexandre Ziegler
• JV Structure: Private Limited Company with 50:50 shareholding
• Indigenisation Target: Up to 60%
• Platforms Compatible: Rafale, LCA Tejas