India-France Defence Dialogue Yields Major Hammer Missile Production Agreement
In a significant development for India's defence manufacturing capabilities, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and French aerospace giant Safran Electronics & Defense have announced plans to establish an equal joint venture for the local production of Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (Hammer) missiles. This landmark agreement was finalized during the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue held in Bengaluru, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin.
Strategic Partnership for Indigenous Defence Production
The proposed joint venture company will feature equal shareholding between BEL and Safran Electronics & Defense, marking a substantial step forward in India's defence indigenization efforts. According to official statements, the operationalization of this partnership remains subject to regulatory and administrative approvals from both nations. The agreement was formally signed by BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain and Safran's Executive Vice President and Defence Director Alexandre Ziegler, with both defence ministers witnessing the ceremony.
BEL elaborated that the companies have also signed a Master Production Agreement (MPA), which establishes comprehensive terms for the transfer of Hammer missile production technology to India. This framework ensures that manufacturing capabilities will be systematically established within the country through a phased approach.
Combat-Proven Precision Weapon System
The Hammer weapon system represents a sophisticated, combat-proven precision-guided munition known for its exceptional accuracy and modular design. This adaptability allows the system to be deployed across multiple platforms, including India's Rafale fighter jets and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The joint venture will focus on manufacturing, supplying, and maintaining these advanced weapon systems to meet the operational requirements of both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
"The transfer of production will occur in a phased manner, ensuring a stabilized production line in India," BEL stated in their official release. "Indigenization levels will progressively increase with key sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical parts being manufactured locally."
Broader Context of India-France Defence Cooperation
This announcement coincides with renewed momentum in India-France defence relations. During the same dialogue, Ministers Singh and Vautrin extended their broader defence cooperation framework for another decade, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. For India, the local production of Hammer missiles represents a crucial transition from being an importer to becoming a co-producer of frontline precision weaponry.
Safran Electronics & Defense already maintains an established relationship with India as a supplier of Hammer systems and SIGMA95 inertial navigation systems. The new joint venture arrangement significantly deepens this partnership by bringing manufacturing and lifecycle support capabilities directly to Indian soil.
The establishment of this production facility aligns with India's ongoing efforts to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing while strengthening strategic partnerships with key global allies. This development promises to bolster India's defence capabilities while creating advanced manufacturing expertise within the country's defence industrial ecosystem.
