To locally produce cutting-edge HAMMER weapon systems, France’s Safran Electronics join hands with BEL, expands manufacturing and R&D operations in Bengaluru.
Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics & Defence have entered into a partnership to establish a joint venture aimed at manufacturing, customising, and maintaining the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) smart precision guided air-to-ground weapon in India.
The agreement was officially signed during Aero India 2025 on Thursday by K.V. Suresh Kumar, Director (Marketing) at BEL, and Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President of Safran Electronics & Defence, in the presence of key executives, including BEL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Manoj Jain, and Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defence.
The collaboration is set to bolster India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, said Jain, noting that it will help the nation achieve greater self-reliance in advanced weapon systems and align with the government’s self-reliance initiative.
By localising the production of the HAMMER system, the partnership aims to reduce dependency on imports.
Franck Saudo of Safran Electronics & Defence highlighted that the venture marks an important step in strengthening Safran’s industrial footprint in India, combining the company’s expertise with BEL’s proficiency in smart precision-guided munitions.
According to BEL, ,the HAMMER system, which has proven its effectiveness in combat, is compatible with several platforms, including the Rafale fighter jet and India’s Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.
Additionally, the two companies will create a centre of excellence, which will focus on joint manufacturing, engineering, and the provision of maintenance services, such as operational repairs and overhauls of optronics and navigation equipment.
As part of the agreement, Safran will transfer knowledge, with BEL taking charge of final assembly, testing, and quality assurance.
On the same day, Safran announced the expansion of its operations in India with a new production facility in Bengaluru for electronic components and aeronautical and defence calculators. An additional R&D centre will also be established, serving Indian customers and partners.
“This project, which aligns with the government’s Make in India program, demonstrates Safran’s commitment to leveraging the skills and talents of the Indian industry while actively contributing to the industrial growth of the country,” noted Saudo.
The new electronics production facility will employ approximately 400 people and is set to begin operations in 2026, with a production target of 30,000 units annually by 2030. Meanwhile, the R&D centre will open in August 2025, initially staffed by 250 engineers and technicians.
