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HAMMER (AASM) Weapon: Safran-BEL Joint Venture for India

17 December 20251 min read
DEFENCE & SECURITYHAMMER (AASM)Weapon:Safran-BEL JointVenture for India17 December 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The agreement brings HAMMER manufacture to India, boosting defence indigenisation, Make in India and India-France ties.

About HAMMER

  • Stand-off air-to-ground system; kits turn ordinary bombs into accurate munitions.
  • Original developer: Safran Electronics & Defense.
  • JV covers manufacture, customisation, supply, maintenance and lifecycle support.

Benefit to IAF

  • Precise strikes from outside enemy air defence.
  • Controlled escalation, less collateral damage and aircraft risk.

Exam angle

  • JV ratio: 50:50.
  • Partner: BEL.

Test yourself

1. India's December 2025 pact on the HAMMER (AASM) weapon is with which French company?

India signed the agreement with France's Safran.

2. What is the structure of the joint venture that will make HAMMER (AASM) in India?

Manufacturing will be through a 50:50 JV of Safran and Bharat Electronics Limited.

3. What does the HAMMER (AASM) system do to conventional unguided bombs?

Modular guidance and propulsion kits turn dumb bombs into high-accuracy smart munitions.