Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Safran Electronics and Defense (SED), France, today signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) to establish a Joint Venture Company (JVC) for the production of Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground Weapon in India. The operationalisation of the provisions of JVA is subject to regulatory and administrative approvals of both the countries. BEL and SED also signed a Master Production Agreement (MPA), which sets out the terms of cooperation for transfer of production of HAMMER in India.

The agreements were signed by Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL, and Alexander Ziegler Executive Vice President and Defence Director, Safran Electronics & Defense, in the presence of Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India, and Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs of France, during the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru.

The JVC, with equal shareholding between BEL and SED, will focus on the manufacturing, supply and maintenance of HAMMER to meet the operational needs of Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the spirit of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', aiming to reduce import dependency and strengthen India's indigenous defence capabilities.

The transfer of production will happen in a phased manner ensuring a stabilised production line in India. The indigenisation level will progressively increase with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally.

This agreement 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.

HAMMER is a combat-proven, precision-guided weapon system known for its high accuracy and modular design, making it adaptable for multiple platforms, including the Rafale and LCA Tejas.