Bharat Electronics and Safran sign JV agreement to produce HAMMER precision-guided weapon in India

Navratna defence public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Safran Electronics and Defence (SED), France, on Monday (November 24), signed a joint venture cooperation agreement (JVCA) for the production of the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground Weapon in India.

The agreement was signed by CMD of BEL, Manoj Jain, and Executive Vice President of SED, Alexandre Ziegler, in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and CEO of Safran, Olivier Andries, in New Delhi.

The JVCA formalises the intent expressed in the MoU signed on February 11, 2025, during Aero India, to incorporate a potential joint venture company (JVC) in India. The JVC will be established as a private limited company with equal 50:50 shareholding.

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The partnership will localise the manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of HAMMER to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Indigenisation levels are planned to progressively reach 60%, with key sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical parts manufactured locally. Production transfer will occur in phases, with BEL leading final assembly, testing, and quality assurance.

HAMMER is a combat-proven, precision-guided weapon system, recognised for its high accuracy and modular design, suitable for multiple platforms, including the Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. The JVCA highlights BEL’s focus on strengthening India’s defence industrial base while leveraging SED’s expertise in smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapons.

Shares of Bharat Electronics Ltd ended at ₹403.80, down by ₹12.40, or 2.98%, on the BSE.

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