BEL, Safran forge partnership to produce HAMMER in India

Bengaluru: In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing ambitions, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense (SED), France, have signed a landmark Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) to manufacture the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India.

The agreements were formalised in Bengaluru during the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue. The Joint Venture Agreement and a comprehensive Master Production Agreement (MPA) were signed by Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL, and Alexander Ziegler, Executive Vice-President and Defence Director, Safran Electronics & Defense.

The signing took place in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, reflecting the growing strategic depth between India and France.

A powerful step towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

The newly formed Joint Venture Company (JVC), with equal shareholding between BEL and SED, will focus on the manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of HAMMER weapons for the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

This partnership is a strong reinforcement of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, aimed at reducing dependency on defence imports while strengthening domestic capabilities. By bringing production of a world-class precision-guided munition system to Indian soil, the collaboration marks a decisive shift from buyer to manufacturer in the global defence ecosystem.

Phased transfer, progressive indigenisation

Under the Master Production Agreement, the transfer of production will take place in a phased manner to ensure a stable and efficient manufacturing line in India. Over time, the indigenisation level will significantly increase, with critical sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical components being manufactured locally.

This structured localisation roadmap will not only enhance India’s defence self-reliance but also create high-value jobs, strengthen the supply chain ecosystem, and foster advanced technological capabilities within the country.

HAMMER: A combat-proven precision weapon

HAMMER is a combat-proven, highly accurate, modular precision-guided weapon system designed for flexibility and operational superiority. Its modular architecture allows it to adapt to different mission requirements and platforms, including the formidable Dassault Rafale and India’s indigenous HAL Tejas.

Known for its extended range and precision strike capability, HAMMER significantly enhances mission effectiveness while minimising collateral damage — a critical factor in modern warfare scenarios.

Strengthening India–France defence ties

The agreement further deepens the robust defence partnership between India and France, built on trust, technology sharing, and long-term collaboration. By combining BEL’s strong manufacturing base and system integration expertise with Safran’s global experience in advanced precision weapon systems, the joint venture is set to become a cornerstone of India’s evolving defence industrial landscape.

With this milestone agreement, India moves another step closer to becoming a global defence manufacturing hub — not just assembling, but designing, producing, and sustaining next-generation military capabilities from within its own borders.