BEL and Safran JV to Manufacture HAMMER Missiles in India

India and France have agreed to produce together the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missile, which will reinforce the long-standing defence relationship between the two countries. Indian collaboration with Safran and Dassault Aviation of France assists in making these work closer contacts between DRDO and HAL of India in order to facilitate the local production of this precision-guided air-launched weapon in India. The project supports the objectives of Make in India and India, as well as enhancing manufacturing confidence through the goal of self-reliance, while increasing the manufacturing of high-end products. On the part of France, the alliance strengthens France as a major technology provider and strategic partner. The project will likely increase the operational preparedness of the modern fighter fleet of the Indian Air Force.

What is the HAMMER Weapon System and Objective?

• The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munitions Experts Reaching) is a precision strike, air-launched missile.

• It is programmed to strike long-range targets, where an aircraft can strike a high-value target miles away.

• The munition has a modular warhead, allowing it to change the mission profile (e.g., anti-infrastructure, soft-target strikes).

• It has sophisticated guidance systems so that it can be accurate over a long distance.

• HAMMER is highly manoeuvrable, and it can be used against both stationary and moving targets.

• The system increases the efficiency of air-to-ground strike and fosters an increase in strategic flexibility.

India-France Defence Cooperation Objective

• On 24 November 2025, the agreement of the joint venture was signed accordingly.

• In 2025, Aero India was the venue for the signing of an initial MoU of the collaboration on 11 February 2025.

• The value of the cooperation is the HAMMER – Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range system.

• It was promoted by BEL CMD Manoj Jain and SED EVP Alexandre Ziegler.

• The JV will be in the form of a private limited business venture of equal 50:50.

• Indenisation of production to a maximum of 60 per cent is targeted in the project.

• It is to be used on Rafale and LCA Tejas aircraft.

Conclusion

The agreement between the BEL and Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India represents a significant step towards boosting self-reliance in defence. By combining Indian manufacturing capabilities with French technological expertise, the project enhances the production capacity of the local industry, improves air combat preparedness, and strengthens strategic alliances. It positions India more favourably in the realm of sophisticated precision-guided weapons.