Indian company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and French company Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) to begin production in India of the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) precision-guided munition system to equip the Rafale fighters of its Navy and Air Force. The agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed during “Aero India” on 11 February 2025 and sets out the intention to create a joint venture company with equal participation from both firms.
The future Joint Venture Company will focus on the localisation, supply, and full life-cycle support of the HAMMER system intended for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The indigenisation process is expected to reach approximately 60%, incorporating local manufacturing of sub-assemblies, electronic components, and mechanical parts. The transfer of production will be carried out in stages, with BEL responsible for final assembly, testing, and quality control.
The HAMMER system, already used in combat, is recognised for its precision, modular architecture, and compatibility with various platforms, including the Rafale and the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. The cooperation between BEL and Safran aims to strengthen India’s defence industrial ecosystem and leverage the French company’s expertise in advanced guidance technology.
Current use of AASM/HAMMER
AASM/HAMMER bombs have recently proven their usefulness, as they are also being employed in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. During the war that began nearly three years ago, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have integrated Western weaponry onto aircraft of Russian or Soviet origin. Among the systems used are the Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG cruise missiles, JDAM-ER guided bombs, AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles, Zuni rocket launchers, and Hydra rockets, operated from MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters as well as Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft.
One of the most recent episodes was recorded from images showing a Ukrainian Su-25 equipped with an AASM/HAMMER bomb supplied by France, which was subsequently launched against a ground target. The presence of these stand-off guided munitions was confirmed in April of last year as part of military assistance packages announced by President Emmanuel Macron in January 2024.
Following these announcements, it was verified that the Ukrainian Air Force’s Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters were adapted to employ AASM/HAMMER bombs, following the precedent set by the integration of the U.S. JDAM-ER.
Cover image of AASM-HAMMER bomb for illustrative purposes.
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