BEL, Safran Defense join hands to build HAMMER weapons in India

New Delhi: Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense have signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) to establish a joint venture company in India for the production of the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon.

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The agreement, signed during the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru, was formalised by Manoj Jain and Alexander Ziegler in the presence of Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin. The operationalisation of the joint venture remains subject to regulatory and administrative approvals in both countries.

Alongside the JVA, both companies signed a Master Production Agreement outlining the framework for phased transfer of HAMMER production to India. The equal-shareholding joint venture will focus on manufacturing, supply and maintenance of the weapon system to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

The project aims to support the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by increasing indigenous manufacturing, reducing import dependence, and strengthening India’s defence industrial base. The indigenisation level is expected to rise progressively, with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical components to be produced locally.

HAMMER is a combat-proven precision-guided weapon known for its modular design and compatibility with multiple platforms, including the Rafale and LCA Tejas. The collaboration is expected to leverage Safran’s expertise in smart weapon systems while reinforcing BEL’s role in advancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

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