Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence have signed a landmark agreement to jointly manufacture highly advanced precision-guided air-to-ground weapons in India. The deal, formalised on November 24 in New Delhi, will see BEL and Safran create a private joint venture to produce the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) system for the Indian Air Force and Navy.

The Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA), signed by BEL CMD Manoj Jain and SED Executive Vice President Alexandre Ziegler, in the presence of defence officials from India and France, sets up a 50:50 partnership between BEL and Safran. The venture will localise up to 60 percent of the system’s components, including key electronics and mechanical parts, with BEL leading final assembly, testing, and quality assurance. The phased transfer of technology aims to strengthen India’s self-reliance in advanced munitions production.

The HAMMER (AASM) is compatible with bomb bodies ranging from 125 kg to 1,000 kg and is designed to resist electronic jamming. It can be launched from low altitudes over rough terrain, guided by GPS/INS, infrared, or semi-active laser systems. With a usual stand-off range of 50–70 km, the latest extra-long-range version can strike targets up to 200 km away, using an integrated rocket booster or turbojet engine. High accuracy is achieved with a circular error probable (CEP) of just 10 metres, making it a formidable addition to India’s arsenal.

India began integrating the HAMMER with its Rafale jets in 2020, soon after a major procurement order valued at approximately ₹59,000 crore in 2016. Recent milestones include successful flight tests with the LCA Tejas, which carries the 250 kg AASM variant, and the formal signing of an intergovernmental agreement for Rafale-M fighter jets in April 2025. Indian Navy and Air Force platforms are expected to expand HAMMER usage, and future upgrades could see the system fitted to other aircraft, such as the MiG-29UPG.

The HAMMER is gaining prominence worldwide, with operational deployment on Ukrainian MiG-29s during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Its flexibility and advanced guidance systems are making it the weapon of choice for precision strikes in modern warfare scenarios.

This industrial partnership is set to bolster India’s defence manufacturing and provide cutting-edge technology for its armed forces while advancing strategic cooperation with France.

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.