Indo-French Defence Alliance Strengthens With Joint HAMMER Missile Production

The Indian Foreign Ministry confirmed that BEL and Safran Electronics & Defence will jointly produce HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missiles in India. The collaboration was formalized ahead of the 6th India–France Defence Dialogue, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

The joint venture will establish a Centre of Excellence to oversee technology development, manufacturing, supply, maintenance, and repair of HAMMER guidance kits. This move will localize production, reduce dependency on imports, and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The HAMMER system, already used by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor, is a precision-guided munition designed for high accuracy and adaptability across multiple platforms. The partnership aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and France’s commitment to expanding defence cooperation.

Key Highlights

• Partnership: BEL and Safran form a 50:50 joint venture
• Focus: Manufacture HAMMER precision-guided weapon systems in India
• Centre of Excellence: For technology, supply, maintenance, and lifecycle support
• Operational Use: HAMMER deployed by Indian Air Force in Operation Sindoor
• Strategic Impact: Boosts indigenous defence production and Indo-French cooperation

This milestone strengthens India’s defence capabilities while reinforcing its position as a hub for advanced military technology.

Sources: Zee News, Republic World, Fortune India, Times Now