India is advancing its push for defense indigenization with a new joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics & Defense (SED) to produce the HAMMER precision-strike munition within the country. The HAMMER—Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range—is a versatile, modular, and combat-proven air-to-ground weapon used for precision engagements across diverse operational scenarios. Its adaptability and high reliability have made it a preferred choice among global operators. The newly formed BEL–Safran joint venture will support the full lifecycle of HAMMER systems for India’s armed forces, covering localized manufacturing of electronics and mechanical parts, assembly, testing, and long-term sustainment. BEL will serve as the lead integrator and final assembler. Over time, the venture is expected to achieve approximately 60 percent indigenization, allowing India to bring critical production capabilities home while improving supply-chain resilience. This partnership stems from an MoU signed at Aero India 2025 and underscores the strengthening defense-industrial cooperation between India and France. It also reflects a growing pattern of major defense programs shifting toward Indian manufacturing ecosystems under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. India’s domestic aerospace and defense sector has recently accelerated, with VEM Technologies delivering the first privately manufactured center-fuselage assembly for the Tejas MK-1A and Reliance Defence partnering with Diehl Defence to produce the Vulcano 155mm guided ammunition domestically. Meanwhile, Axiscades Aerospace & Technologies has launched a state-of-the-art missile-test bench to support production, integration, and quality assurance for missile platforms. Together, these efforts demonstrate India’s strategy to expand its defense industrial base, attract global partnerships, and boost sovereign capability in high-end weapon systems.
