In a monumental stride towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, India’s vision for self-reliance, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and French aerospace and defense giant Safran Electronics & Defense have officially formalized a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA). This strategic 50:50 joint venture, inked in November 2025, marks a significant turning point for India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. Its primary objective is to localize the manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER), a state-of-the-art precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system, directly within India. This initiative is poised to profoundly enhance the operational readiness of both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, reducing reliance on imports and fostering a robust indigenous defense ecosystem.
A New Era for Indian Defense Indigenization
The journey began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier at Aero India 2025, culminating in this definitive JVCA. This partnership is a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to defense indigenization, aiming for a remarkable indigenization level of up to 60% for the HAMMER system. By taking charge of key sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical components domestically, India is setting a new benchmark in strategic autonomy. This move is expected to not only fulfill critical national security requirements but also stimulate growth for Indian industries, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), contributing to job creation and skill development across the nation.
The HAMMER System: Unmatched Precision and Versatility
At the heart of this joint venture is the HAMMER system, known by its French acronym AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire). Developed by Safran, this smart munition transforms conventional “dumb” bombs into highly accurate, extended-range weapons through the integration of sophisticated guidance and range extension kits. Combat-proven in multiple theaters, including Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Syria, and Ukraine, the HAMMER boasts an impressive 99% success rate in strikes, making it a reliable choice for modern warfare scenarios.
The system’s modular design allows it to be integrated with various bomb bodies (125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1000 kg), offering exceptional versatility for missions ranging from close air support to deep strikes. Its triple guidance system ensures unparalleled accuracy:
- SBU-38: Inertial Navigation System (INS) + GPS for all-weather, day/night capability with a 10-meter Circular Error Probable (CEP).
- SBU-54: Adds Infrared (IR) homing for enhanced precision, achieving a 1-meter CEP, ideal for night operations.
- SBU-64: Incorporates Semi-Active Laser Homing (SALH) for sub-meter accuracy, especially effective against moving targets.
With a rocket booster, the HAMMER can achieve ranges of 50 to 70 km when launched from high altitude, and about 15 km at low altitude, providing crucial standoff capabilities. The Indian Air Force has already deployed HAMMER missiles on its Rafale fighter jets India and has integrated them with the indigenous LCA Tejas capabilities. The recent HAMMER 250 LRL variant, unveiled in 2025, further promises superior range (over 70 km) and precision with a low-yield warhead to minimize collateral damage, ensuring the Indian military modernization continues apace.
Strengthening Strategic Capabilities and Future Growth
Beyond manufacturing, the BEL-Safran joint venture will establish a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence. This center will be a hub for joint industrial activities in manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance services, including the crucial operational upkeep, repairs, and overhauls of optronics and navigation equipment for all Indian armed forces. The planned R&D center further underscores a long-term commitment to fostering aerospace innovation and developing future variants of smart munitions tailored for Indian requirements.
This partnership is a game-changer for India’s maritime security as well. The joint venture explicitly aims to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy for HAMMER munitions, signaling a significant upgrade for naval aviation assets and enhancing their strike capabilities. The localized production ensures a reliable and secure supply chain, vital for sustained defense operations.
Looking ahead, this collaboration positions India as a potential “global hub for smart ammunitions production.” By developing robust indigenous capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities, the joint venture lays the groundwork for future defense exports India, allowing the nation to supply advanced precision-guided weapons to friendly nations and solidify its role in the global defense market. This move is not just about producing a weapon; it’s about building an entire ecosystem of military technology and expertise.
A Self-Reliant Tomorrow
The BEL-Safran joint venture for HAMMER production is a landmark achievement, embodying the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It signifies more than just a collaboration; it represents a commitment to strategic autonomy, technological advancement, and a robust indigenous defense industry. With increased indigenization, enhanced capabilities for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, and the potential for defense exports, India is firmly on the path to becoming a global leader in smart munitions and advanced military technology. This partnership is a clear indicator of India’s growing prowess and its determination to secure its future with self-reliance at its core.
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