India has taken a significant step in strengthening its defence manufacturing and strategic partnership with France as both countries formalised a joint venture (JV) agreement to produce HAMMER smart precision-guided missiles on Indian soil. The agreement was signed on 17 February 2026 during the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru.
Under the pact, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) ,India’s premier state-owned defence electronics firm , and Safran Electronics & Defense , a leading French defence technology company , will form an equal-share joint venture to manufacture the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) weapon system in India. The operationalisation of this JV remains subject to regulatory approval in both countries.
The HAMMER missile is a precision-guided air-to-ground munition with a modular design capable of accurate strikes at extended ranges and is compatible with platforms such as Dassault Rafale and HAL Tejas combat aircraft. Local production under the JV is expected to significantly enhance India’s defence industrial base, reduce reliance on imports, and boost indigenous capability under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
The Times of India
This development coincides with the renewal of a broader 10-year defence cooperation framework between India and France, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to deeper industrial collaboration in aerospace, combat systems, and strategic defence technologies.
Why It Matters:
The HAMMER joint venture reflects India’s strategic focus on strengthening precision strike capabilities, expanding defence production within the country, and leveraging international partnerships to modernise and diversify its combat arsenal in the context of evolving regional security dynamics.
