India has taken a significant step toward strengthening domestic production of advanced weapon systems through a new joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense (SED). The agreement formalizes local manufacturing of the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range), a precision-guided air-to-ground weapon known for its modular design and combat-tested performance. The weapon is compatible with multiple aircraft types and widely valued for its mission flexibility, accuracy, and reliability in varied battlefield conditions. Under the arrangement, BEL and Safran will manage the complete lifecycle of HAMMER systems for both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. This includes the localized production of sub-assemblies, key electronics, and mechanical components. BEL will lead final assembly, testing, and quality assurance in India. The program aims to increase indigenous content to around 60 percent over time, strengthening India’s defense industrial autonomy and reducing dependence on foreign supply chains. The joint venture builds on an MoU signed at Aero India 2025, reinforcing the deepening industrial cooperation between New Delhi and Paris. It also aligns with the broader expansion of India’s defense manufacturing sector, which now includes major contributions from private and public players. Recent examples include VEM Technologies delivering the first center-fuselage assembly for the Tejas MK-1A—marking a major milestone for private-sector aircraft manufacturing—and Reliance Defence partnering with Germany’s Diehl Defence to locally produce the Vulcano 155mm precision artillery ammunition. Additionally, Axiscades Aerospace & Technologies has opened a missile-test bench facility supporting large-scale integration and production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Together, these developments reflect India’s accelerating move toward defense self-reliance and the establishment of high-end manufacturing ecosystems across the country.
