BEL-Safran JV for Manufacture of Hammer Missiles in India.
BEL-Safran JV for Hammer Missile Production.
New Delhi, 24 November 2025 — In a significant move to boost India’s defence capabilities and support the government’s Make-in-India initiative, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence (SED) of France have entered into a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) for the local production of HAMMER Missiles in India. The agreement was signed on November 24, 2025, in New Delhi, marking a major milestone in India’s pursuit of greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The JVCA was formally signed by Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BEL, and Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President of SED, in the presence of Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary of Defence Production, and Olivier Andries, CEO of Safran. The signing ceremony reinforces the commitment of both parties to strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and industrial base.
READ: First Leopard-2 A8 Tanks Equipped with Israeli Trophy Active Protection System Rolled Out
Strengthening India’s Defence Industrial Base
This agreement formalises the intent expressed earlier in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between BEL and SED during the Aero India 2025 event. The JV will create a 50:50 joint venture company (JVC), which will focus on the localisation, production, supply, and maintenance of HAMMER missiles to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy.
The collaboration between BEL and Safran aims to significantly increase the indigenisation of HAMMER missile production, with a planned 60% localisation target. Key components such as sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical parts will be manufactured locally in India, which is expected to enhance the country’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. The production transfer will occur gradually, with BEL taking the lead in final assembly, testing, and quality assurance of the missile systems.
READ: Spanish Navy’s 2nd S-80 class submarine hits the water
BEL-Safran JV for Hammer Missile Production.
A Precision-Driven Weapon for Indian Air Force
The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missile is a combat-proven, precision-guided air-to-ground weapon that is known for its high accuracy and modular design. The weapon system is highly adaptable, capable of being integrated into various platforms, including the Rafale fighter aircraft and Tejas, India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
HAMMER’s advanced technology enables it to strike targets with precision, even in challenging combat environments, making it an ideal asset for enhancing the strike capabilities of the Indian Air Force and Navy. The agreement to produce HAMMER missiles locally not only strengthens India’s precision-guided munition capabilities but also boosts the country’s broader strategic objectives for self-sufficiency in defence.
READ: Garuda 25: India and France Take Their Military Cooperation to New Heights
Fostering a Stronger Defence Partnership
The joint venture between BEL and Safran reflects a growing trend of international partnerships aimed at enhancing India’s defence production capabilities. By leveraging Safran’s extensive experience in smart precision-guided weapon systems and BEL’s robust domestic manufacturing infrastructure, this collaboration will play a key role in advancing India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reinforcing its defence industrial base.
The JV will not only meet the needs of India’s military but also pave the way for exporting the HAMMER missile systems to other countries, positioning India as a global player in the high-tech defence manufacturing sector.
The Role of HAMMER Missiles in Modern Warfare
The HAMMER missile, with its extended range and modular design, is poised to play a critical role in modern warfare, offering precision strike capabilities that are essential for effective anti-surface and anti-air operations. Its integration with Rafale and Tejas aircraft enhances India’s ability to project power in the region while maintaining a strategic edge in aerial combat.
As part of the partnership, BEL will ensure that HAMMER missiles are fully integrated into India’s defence infrastructure, enabling India’s armed forces to maintain operational superiority and strengthen coastal and border security. Additionally, the collaboration is expected to lead to advancements in military technology, contributing to the broader goals of India’s defence self-reliance.
READ: Rheinmetall-ICEYE Launch Joint Venture in Neuss for Space-Based Reconnaissance
