HAMMER air-to-surface weapon will soon be manufactured in India after a major India-France defence agreement. Ahead of the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru on February 16, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister Catherine Vautrin are set to sign an MoU for local production. The HAMMER air-to-surface weapon is already integrated with the Indian Air Force Rafale jets and was used in Operation Sindoor in May 2025. This move is expected to significantly boost India’s stand-off strike capability in modern warfare.
HAMMER Air-to-Surface Weapon: India-France Defense Deal Explained
- HAMMER air-to-surface weapon will be jointly produced in India under a new Memorandum of Understanding between India and France.
- The agreement comes during the 6th India-France Annual Defense Dialogue in Bengaluru.
- The weapon, developed by Safran Electronics and Defense, is already operational with the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fleet.
- The joint venture aims to meet future requirements, especially after India cleared procurement of 114 additional Rafale jets.
- This India France defence deal strengthens strategic ties and supports the government’s push for defence indigenisation under the “Make in India” initiative.
What Is HAMMER? Understanding the AASM System
- HAMMER stands for Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range.
- Also known as AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire).
- It is a precision-guided bomb kit that converts conventional gravity bombs into smart weapons.
- Features a modular design with interchangeable guidance and propulsion systems.
Key Components
Nose Section
- Equipped with Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS).
- Optional Infrared (IR) or Laser guidance for enhanced targeting accuracy.
Tail Section
- Contains a solid-rocket booster to extend strike range.
Capabilities
- Enables long-range, high-precision strikes.
- Strike accuracy of approximately 1-10 metres CEP (Circular Error Probable).
- Effective in various weather and combat conditions.
- Compatible primarily with Rafale fighter aircraft.
How HAMMER Boosts India’s Stand-Off Strike Capability
- HAMMER air-to-surface weapon enhances India’s stand-off strike capability by allowing fighter jets to attack targets from a safe distance.
- The rocket-assisted kit enables release from long range, keeping aircraft outside enemy air defense zones.
- This improves survivability and mission flexibility.
- HAMMER can be fitted on bombs ranging from 125 kg to 1,000 kg, making it suitable for close air support and high-value target strikes.
- Its ability to operate in rough terrain and resist jamming makes it ideal for modern air warfare scenarios faced by the Indian Air Force.
Joint Venture Between Bharat Electronics and Safran
- HAMMER air-to-surface weapon production in India will be carried out through a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics and Defence.
- The agreement, signed in November 2025, establishes a private limited company with 50:50 shareholding.
- The project aims for up to 60 percent indigenisation, including local manufacturing of key sub-assemblies and electronic components.
- This partnership will handle production, supply, and maintenance for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
- It marks a major step in strengthening India France defence deal cooperation and defence manufacturing capabilities.
About HAMMER and India-France Defense Relations
- HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a French-developed smart air-to-ground weapon.
- It is compatible with Rafale fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.
- India and France have strong defence ties, including deals for Rafale jets and submarine cooperation.
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves major defence procurements in India.
- Precision-guided munitions like HAMMER are important in modern warfare due to their accuracy and reduced collateral damage.
Question
Q. HAMMER air-to-surface weapon is developed by which country?
A) United States
B) Russia
C) France
D) Israel