India’s defence manufacturing capabilities are set to expand as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics & Defence have agreed to jointly manufacture the HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India. The partnership establishes a 50:50 joint-venture company that will manage the production, supply and long-term maintenance of HAMMER systems for the Indian Air Force and Navy.

The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a combat-proven smart weapon that converts standard bombs into precision-guided munitions with high accuracy against fixed and moving targets. It is compatible with multiple fighter platforms, including the Rafale and LCA Tejas, offering extended range and advanced strike capabilities.

Under the agreement, manufacturing will be progressively localised, with indigenisation expected to reach around 60 per cent. Critical electronics, mechanical parts and sub-assemblies will be produced domestically, while BEL will oversee final assembly, integration, testing and quality assurance.

The initiative is viewed as a major step towards reducing India’s dependence on imported weapon systems, lowering long-term procurement costs and ensuring reliable availability of spares and upgrades. Local manufacturing is also expected to strengthen supply-chain resilience and enhance India’s strategic autonomy.

The collaboration signals growing confidence among global defence manufacturers in India’s role as a production and technology partner. It also reflects the broader shift towards co-development and domestic manufacturing under the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programmes.

(Source: Moneycontrol)