India and France have taken a significant step in defence collaboration by establishing a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapons in India.
Boosting Make in India
This initiative, involving Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics and Defence (SED), marks a major boost to local defence production and aligns perfectly with India’s Make in India program for defence manufacturing. Signed on November 23, 2025, in New Delhi, the Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) builds on an MoU inked during Aero India in February 2025, creating a 50:50 owned private limited company to handle everything from manufacturing and supply to maintenance of these advanced weapons for the Indian Air Force and Navy . With indigenization ramping up to nearly 60%—covering key sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical parts—BEL will lead final assembly, testing, and quality assurance, slashing import reliance and fueling Aatmanirbhar Bharat . This move not only equips Rafale and Tejas platforms with combat-proven precision but also strengthens India's strategic edge amid evolving regional threats .
 |
| Image:-@MOD |
Strategic Partnership for HAMMER Production
On 23rd November 2025, BEL and Safran signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement in New Delhi to jointly produce the HAMMER weapon system, a Highly Agile Modular Munition with Extended Range known for its combat precision and adaptability across platforms like Rafale and Tejas fighter aircraft. The joint venture company will be equally owned (50:50) by BEL and SED, with production, supply, and maintenance localized in India to serve the Indian Air Force and Navy operational needs. The indigenization level will progressively increase to nearly 60%, including manufacturing of sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical parts, with BEL leading final assembly, testing, and quality assurance through a phased transfer of manufacturing technology.
Defence Production Boost under Make in India
This collaboration reflects the Modi government’s ambitious Make in India campaign aimed at strengthening domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. The establishment of indigenous production facilities for advanced weapon systems like HAMMER reduces dependency on imports and enhances self-reliance in defence technology. Additionally, the agreement complements other defence production efforts such as the manufacturing of Rafale aircraft fuselages by Dassault and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Hyderabad, and a joint project with Safran and India’s DRDO to develop a 120 KN engine for India’s upcoming fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). These initiatives collectively enhance India’s role as a key global defence manufacturing hub, showcasing trust by international aerospace leaders in Indian industry partners.
Impact on Indian Defence Ecosystem
The joint venture not only creates high-precision manufacturing opportunities but also stimulates technology transfer and skill development within India’s defence industrial base. With indigenization reaching 60%, significant portions of the weapon manufacturing ecosystem, including critical electronic and mechanical components, will be sourced domestically. This scale of localization benefits the Indian defense supply chain by building capacities and creating jobs, positioning India to maintain and upgrade its sophisticated weaponry with reduced foreign reliance. The HAMMER weapon system's production in India is also strategically aligned with the country’s operational needs, especially in light of recent regional security challenges.
Wider Make in India Defence Initiatives
India’s defense sector under Make in India is witnessing robust growth with multiple partnerships between Indian and global firms. The production involves not only advanced weapons like HAMMER but also extends to missiles, aircraft components, and engines. These ventures accelerate India’s capacity for indigenous innovation, manufacturing, and export potential. For example, the collaboration between Netherlands’ KNDS and India’s SMPP on the KATANA precision-guided artillery ammunition highlights the expanding scope of defence production tied to Make in India.
Through these joint ventures and production agreements, India is steadily becoming a more self-reliant and technologically advanced defence producer, reinforcing national security while contributing to economic growth.
