Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) of India and France’s Safran Electronics & Defence have established a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapons domestically, according to a recent announcement from the Indian Ministry of Defence. The new entity, with equal shareholding, aims to enhance India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, supporting the government’s indigenisation efforts. The HAMMER system is praised for its precision and modular design, promising to elevate self-reliance in defense technology while reducing import dependency. This collaboration signifies a strategic move towards advanced military capability development and bolsters the defense partnership between India and France.