India's push for defence self-reliance got a major boost as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense (SED), an entity within the Safran Group, that specialises in optronics, avionics, electronics, and critical software for civil and military application, signed a joint venture cooperation agreement (JVCA) to make Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) smart precision guided air-to-ground weapon in India.
The agreement formalises the intent expressed in the MoU signed between the two companies on the sidelines of Aero India in February.
HAMMER is a combat-proven, precision-guided weapon system with a range of over 70 km, known for its high accuracy and modular design. It is adaptable for multiple Indian platforms, including the Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. According to Safran, the weapon, which is insensitive to jamming, can be launched from low altitude, over rough terrain.
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It was reported in 2020 that the IAF had opted for French HAMMER for Rafale, dropping an earlier plan to equip the fighter jets with Israeli precision-guidance system Spice 2000. One of the reasons cited then was that Rafale is already capable of firing the HAMMER, which would mean that it could lead to faster operational deployment of the weapon.
The JVC, which will localise the manufacturing, supply and maintenance of HAMMER to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy, will be formed as a private limited company with 50:50 shareholding.
The defence ministry said the made in India content in the weapon will progressively be increased upto 60 per cent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured in the country, in line with the push for self-reliance in defence.
The transfer of production will happen in a phased manner with BEL leading final assembly, testing and quality assurance. "This JVCA underscores BEL’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence industrial base and aims at leveraging SED’s extensive experience in manufacturing of smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon," the defence ministry stated.