Safran and Bharat Electronics Limited Collaborate to Manufacture HAMMER Weapon System in India

In a significant move to bolster India's defense manufacturing capabilities, French defense company Safran Electronics & Defense has partnered with Indian state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to produce the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system domestically. This collaboration aligns with India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign imports and enhance local production.

Details of the Partnership

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Mr. K V Suresh Kumar, Director (Marketing) at BEL, and Mr. Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President of Safran Electronics & Defense. The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both companies, including BEL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Manoj Jain, and Safran Electronics & Defense’s CEO, Mr. Franck Saudo.

As part of this partnership, BEL and Safran Electronics & Defense plan to establish a Centre of Excellence focusing on joint industrial activities such as manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance services. This center will provide operational support, repairs, and overhauls of optronics and navigation equipment for the Indian armed forces. Safran will facilitate knowledge transfer, while BEL will lead in final assembly, testing, and quality assurance.

About the HAMMER Weapon System

The HAMMER, also known as Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM), is a French air-to-surface missile developed by Safran Electronics & Defense. It is designed for both close air support and deep strike missions, offering high precision and modularity. The system consists of a guidance kit and a range extension kit, which can be attached to standard bomb bodies of various weights, including 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1,000 kg.

Key Specifications:

• Length: Approximately 3.1 meters
• Weight: Varies depending on the bomb body; the 250 kg version weighs around 340 kg
• Guidance Systems:
  • Hybrid Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) for all-weather capability
  • Optional Infrared (IR) or Laser guidance for enhanced accuracy and the ability to engage moving targets
• Range: Capable of striking targets over 70 km away
• Compatibility: Can be integrated with various aircraft platforms, including the Dassault Rafale, Mirage 2000D, and India's LCA Tejas

Operational History

The HAMMER entered service with the French Air and Space Force and Naval Aviation in 2007. It has been used in various conflicts, including operations in Afghanistan and Libya, demonstrating a high degree of effectiveness. The weapon system has also been selected by several international operators, including Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, and India.

Implications for India's Defense Sector

This joint venture is expected to significantly enhance India's defense capabilities by enabling the indigenous production of advanced weapon systems. It will also create opportunities for Indian industries, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to participate in the defense manufacturing ecosystem. The partnership underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defense and strengthens the strategic ties between India and France.

By manufacturing the HAMMER weapon system locally, India aims to ensure timely availability and maintenance of this critical capability for its armed forces, thereby enhancing operational readiness and national security.