NEW DELHI: India has signed a joint venture agreement with France to manufacture the ‘Hammer’ smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapons domestically. These munitions were recently deployed during cross-border hostilities with Pakistan under Operation Sindoor in May.
The agreement was finalized between defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics and Defence (SED). The Hammer system, designed to destroy bunkers and hardened targets at ranges of about 70 km, is known for its high accuracy, modular design and combat-proven performance.
While the French-origin Rafale jets already carry Hammer munitions, the indigenous Tejas fighters are now being equipped with them as well. “Hammer is a precision-guided weapon system adaptable to multiple platforms,” an official said.
The joint venture will operate as a private limited company with equal 50:50 shareholding, formalizing the intent outlined in the MoU signed by BEL and SED during Aero India in February.
