India and France Unite to Produce HAMMER Missiles Locally - Bio Points News

India and France Unite to Produce HAMMER Missiles Locally

India has taken a major step toward defense self-reliance as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence of France have officially formed a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER air-to-surface missiles in India. The agreement was signed in New Delhi under a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) with equal 50–50 ownership between the two companies.

This collaboration supports the Indian government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, aiming to strengthen domestic defense production and reduce dependency on foreign imports.

What This Joint Venture Will Do

The newly formed India–France venture will focus on:

• Manufacturing HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition – Extended Range) missiles in India

• Local assembly and testing of missile components

• Maintenance and long-term support for the Indian Air Force

• Increasing indigenous content to around 60% over time

HAMMER missiles are already operational with India’s Rafale fighter jets, and the joint venture will help expand supply and integration for future platforms.

What Is the HAMMER Missile?

The HAMMER is a precision-guided, air-to-surface weapon designed for high accuracy and strong penetration power. It can strike hardened targets, bunkers, and high-value assets even in difficult weather conditions.

Key Features

• High precision with GPS + inertial guidance

• Capable of defeating hardened and protected targets

• Operational in day and night conditions

• Effective even in heavy electronic warfare environments

• Range depending on configuration (extended-range variants available)

Which Aircraft Will Use It?

The HAMMER missile is currently used by:

• Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force

Future integration is expected for:

• HAL Tejas MK-1A and MK-2

• Rafale-M for the Indian Navy

• Other upcoming Indian fighter jet programs

This ensures long-term operational readiness for India’s air combat fleet.

Why This Deal Is Important for India

1. Boosts Domestic Defense Production

By manufacturing HAMMER locally, India reduces its reliance on foreign suppliers and builds a stronger defense industrial base.

2. Technology Transfer and Job Creation

The joint venture brings advanced French missile technology to Indian engineers and technicians, creating new high-skill jobs.

3. Enhances Air Combat Capability

Easy and reliable access to HAMMER missiles improves India’s ability to respond quickly during conflict scenarios.

4. Opens Future Export Opportunities

With BEL’s production ecosystem and Safran’s technology, the JV has the potential to export to friendly nations in the future.

The BEL–Safran joint venture marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward defense self-reliance. Local production of HAMMER missiles will not only strengthen India’s military capabilities but also help build a modern, globally competitive defense manufacturing ecosystem.