Short Description: India’s BEL and France’s Safran form a 50/50 JV to produce HAMMER precision-guided bombs locally, boosting India’s self-reliance in advanced defence manufacturing.
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Main Article:
In a landmark move for India’s defence sector, state-owned Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and France’s aerospace giant Safran have inked a deal to establish a joint venture for the local production of HAMMER precision-guided munitions. This strategic partnership, announced during high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, is a direct outcome of strengthening bilateral cooperation. The initiative is a cornerstone of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) programme, aiming to drastically reduce import dependency and cultivate a robust, indigenous defence industrial base.
The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is an advanced, rocket-boosted air-to-ground weapon system designed for high-precision strikes. By manufacturing these sophisticated munitions domestically, India not only secures a reliable supply chain for its armed forces, particularly for its fleet of Rafale fighter jets, but also gains critical access to cutting-edge aerospace technology. The 50/50 JV, to be headquartered in Pune, will operate as a “Center of Excellence,” facilitating significant technology transfer and creating high-skill manufacturing jobs within India, marking a shift from buyer to co-developer in the global defence landscape.
For global observers and the finance niche, this deal underscores a significant trend in the global defence market: the strategic realignment of supply chains and the rise of capable manufacturing hubs in the Indo-Pacific. It signals India’s serious intent to become a major defence manufacturer and a reliable partner for technology-driven collaborations. This joint venture model between a leading Indian PSU and a top-tier European defence firm sets a template for future partnerships in critical technology sectors, offering a case study in strategic industrial policy and its long-term economic and security dividends.
Short Summary:
The BEL-Safran joint venture to produce HAMMER precision-guided bombs in India is a pivotal development for the nation’s defence autonomy and manufacturing prowess. By enabling local production of this critical air-to-ground weapon system, the partnership directly supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, reduces import reliance, and fosters deep technology transfer. This strategic move strengthens India’s position in the global defence market while enhancing its strategic partnership with France.
