India takes steps to localize French smart munitions

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has entered into a strategic alliance with French defense technology company Safran Electronics & Defense. This partnership, announced on February 11, aims to create a joint venture focused on the production, customization, sales, and maintenance of HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground Weapons in India.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was executed by K.V. Suresh Kumar, Director (Marketing) at BEL, and Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President of Safran Electronics & Defense, with notable attendees including Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of BEL, and Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense. Senior leaders from both organizations were present at the signing event.

This joint venture is anticipated to enhance India’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities, supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative by decreasing reliance on imports. BEL Chairman Manoj Jain stated that this collaboration will enable the localization of HAMMER production, promote the development of advanced variants, and open new avenues for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within India’s defense industry.

The joint venture proposed between BEL and Safran Electronics & Defense represents a significant advancement in enhancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and achieving self-sufficiency in sophisticated weapon systems. This initiative will facilitate the localization of HAMMER production, promote the development of future variants, and align with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by decreasing reliance on imports. The partnership will enable technology transfer, create opportunities for Indian industries, particularly small and medium enterprises, and position India as a global leader in smart ammunition production, according to Jain.

Technology Transfer and Center of Excellence

Under the terms of the agreement, BEL and Safran intend to establish a Center of Excellence aimed at bolstering India’s defense capabilities. This center will spearhead collaborative industrial efforts in manufacturing, engineering, and operational maintenance, including the repair and overhaul of optronics and navigation systems for the Indian armed forces.

“This partnership with BEL is a pivotal moment for Safran Electronics & Defense. By establishing this center of excellence that merges Safran’s expertise with BEL’s strengths in smart precision-guided munitions, we are contributing to the Government’s Make in India initiative while enhancing India’s sovereign defense capabilities and reinforcing Safran’s industrial footprint in the country,” stated Safran CEO Franck Saudo.

Safran will gradually transfer essential technologies to India, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) responsible for the final assembly, testing, and quality assurance of the HAMMER missile system. This production facility is anticipated to become a vital center for advanced smart munitions, further enhancing India’s status as a prominent manufacturer in the global defense industry.

The HAMMER missile is a combat-tested, precision-guided munition recognized for its exceptional accuracy and modular design, allowing it to be deployed across various platforms, including the Rafale and the LCA Tejas. The system features sophisticated targeting capabilities, ensuring effective engagement of enemy targets while minimizing collateral damage.