India and France are joining forces to produce the HAMMER weapon system locally. This partnership builds on an agreement from November 2025. Under this deal, French company Safran will team up with Indian firm Bharat Electronics Limited. They will both hold equal stakes in this venture.
This collaboration aims to establish a “Center of Excellence” in India. Here, they will manufacture, supply, maintain, and repair the HAMMER guidance kits for the Indian Air Force and Navy. This move supports India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defense.
The HAMMER munitions are designed for the new 114 Rafale jets that India is acquiring. These jets will be able to utilize the sophisticated weaponry effectively.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to India highlights the strengthened ties between the two nations. During his visit, he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed various strategic partnerships, including defense.
### What is the HAMMER?
The HAMMER stands for Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range. It can be dropped from fighter jets and is effective for long-range precision strikes, reaching targets over 70 kilometers (43 miles) away. This system works well in challenging terrains, such as mountains.
One of the notable features of the HAMMER is its modular design. It can use standard bomb bodies weighing between 125 and 1,000 kilograms (276 to 2,205 pounds). The weapon combines inertial navigation with GPS guidance, offering options for laser targeting. This allows it to operate under various weather conditions, day or night.
Recent reports suggest that the HAMMER was used by India’s air force during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025. This operation showcased the weapon’s capabilities in real-world scenarios.
### Why This Partnership Matters
This joint venture reflects significant trends in global defense manufacturing. According to a 2023 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Asia-Pacific nations are increasingly investing in military technology. They aim for self-sufficiency and to reduce over-reliance on foreign suppliers.
Experts agree that such collaborations can enhance national security. Dr. Rajesh Sharma, a defense analyst, notes, “Partnerships like this not only bolster military strength but also foster innovation and local job creation.”
In this context, the India-France venture is more than just a defense agreement; it symbolizes a broader shift towards cooperative security strategies in a rapidly changing world.
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