Categories: Current AffairsDefence

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.