India-France HAMMER Munitions: BEL-Safran Joint Venture
Why in the news
A defence manufacturing deal between India and France will bring HAMMER smart weapons into local production, widening bilateral defence cooperation.
Key facts
- Parties: BEL and Safran Electronics & Defence of France.
- Instrument: Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA).
- Structure: a 50:50 private limited company set up in India.
| HAMMER feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full form | Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range |
| Type | Smart standoff air-to-ground weapon |
| Range | Up to 70 km |
| Platforms | Rafale and Tejas |
| Launch | All-weather, low altitude possible |
| Resilience | Jamming-resistant, hard to intercept; effective on fortified targets |
Exam angle
- Expand HAMMER: Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range.
- JV split: 50:50.
- Fighter jets compatible: Rafale, Tejas.