India’s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics and Defense (SED) have signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA). | Photo credit: PIB
India’s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics and Defense (SED) signed a joint venture cooperation agreement (JVCA) on Monday (24 November 2025) to manufacture the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi by BEL CMD Manoj Jain and SED Executive Vice President Alexandre Ziegler. Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and Safran CEO Olivier Andries were present at the ceremony.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the joint venture is a big boost to the Make in India initiative. Building on the MoU signed during Aero India on 11 February 2025, JVCA confirms plans to establish a 50:50 joint venture in India. The private limited company will focus on local manufacturing, supply and life cycle support of HAMMER ammunition for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
Native settlement levels will gradually increase to nearly 60%, with key electronics, sub-assemblies and mechanical components manufactured domestically. The manufacturing transfer will take place in phases, with BEL responsible for final assembly, testing and quality assurance, the ministry added.
Already battle-proven, the HAMMER system is valued for its accuracy, modular architecture and compatibility with platforms such as the Rafale and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
The deal represents a significant step to strengthen India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem while leveraging SED’s global expertise in smart and precision-guided weapons.
Published – 24 Nov 2025 22:01 IST
