India and France have taken a significant step in defense collaboration. They’ve officially agreed to create a joint venture to manufacture the HAMMER weapon system in India. This partnership builds on an earlier agreement from November 2025.
In this joint venture, the French company Safran, known for developing precision-guided air-to-ground weapons, will team up with India’s Bharat Electronics Limited. They will share ownership equally, with Bharat Electronics focusing on key components and local manufacturing.
The collaboration will establish a “Center of Excellence” in India. This center will be responsible for producing, supplying, maintaining, and repairing HAMMER guidance kits for both the Indian Air Force and Navy. This move aligns with India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defense technologies.
The HAMMER munitions will be used on India’s upcoming fleet of 114 Rafale jets, according to reports from Tribune India. The announcement coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, where he is meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the India-France Strategic Partnership.
What is the HAMMER?
The HAMMER, or Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range, is designed for long-range precision strikes, operating effectively up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) away, even in challenging terrains like mountains. It can be mounted on bomb bodies weighing between 125 and 1,000 kilograms (276 to 2,205 pounds).
Equipped with both inertial and GPS guidance, the HAMMER can also feature a laser for fire-and-forget capabilities against both stationary and moving targets, under any weather conditions. Recent reports suggest that the HAMMER was utilized during India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025.
Expert Insights
Military experts note that this collaboration not only enhances India’s defense capabilities but also strengthens ties between the two nations. According to defense analyst Dr. Rajesh Shah, “Local production of advanced weaponry signifies a shift towards independence in national security. It also fosters technology transfer and boosts the local economy.”
Recent Trends and Context
This partnership is part of a broader trend wherein countries are prioritizing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. According to a recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global defense spending rose by 3.7% in 2022, with countries like India investing heavily in indigenous technologies.
In a world where geopolitical tensions are rising, efforts like this one are critical. They not only enhance military preparedness but also build strategic alliances, which are essential for national security in uncertain times.
For more detailed information on the HAMMER system, you can check the Safran Group’s official page.
Overall, this partnership between India and France marks a pivotal moment in modern defense cooperation, setting the stage for future advancements in military technology.
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