In a significant move to bolster India's defence manufacturing capabilities, state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and French firm Safran Electronics & Defence (SED) have inked a pivotal agreement for the joint production of advanced HAMMER air-to-ground weapons within the country.
A Strategic Partnership Forged
The joint venture cooperation agreement (JVCA) was officially signed on Monday, November 25, 2025. This development formalizes the intent that was initially expressed during the Aero India event on February 11 of this year. The core objective is to establish a joint venture company in India with an equal 50:50 shareholding between BEL and Safran.
This partnership is strategically crucial. India had previously procured the HAMMER weapon system through an emergency procurement route in 2020 to equip its Rafale fighter jets. This acquisition was a direct response to the military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, highlighting the weapon's immediate operational importance.
Unpacking the HAMMER Weapon System
The HAMMER, which stands for Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range, is a formidable smart precision-guided weapon. It is classified as a glide bomb with an impressive operational range of up to 70 km.
Key features that make it a weapon of choice for the Indian Air Force and Navy include its all-weather capability and its insensitivity to enemy jamming attempts. The weapon can be launched from low altitudes over challenging, rough terrains, making it difficult to intercept. Its precision allows it to effectively penetrate and destroy heavily fortified enemy structures.
The HAMMER's modular design is another significant advantage, as it can be fitted to standard bombs of various weights, including 250kg, 500kg, and 1,000kg.
Boosting Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The new joint venture company will be responsible for the localisation of manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of the HAMMER systems. This initiative is designed to meet the evolving operational requirements of both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
A major focus of the agreement is on indigenisation. The Defence Ministry has stated that the level of local manufacturing will be progressively increased, aiming to achieve an indigenisation level of up to 60%. This will involve the local production of key sub-assemblies, electronic components, and mechanical parts.
Beyond equipping the existing fleet of Rafale jets, there are also plans to arm the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, with these advanced munitions, further integrating cutting-edge technology into India's own defence platforms.
