Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics & Defence signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement for production of the HAMMER smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India. The agreement was signed in New Delhi on 24 November 2025 and fits the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat focus in defence production. For exam preparation, the update matters because it links defence manufacturing, indigenisation, technology localisation, and military readiness.

The proposed joint venture company is to be incorporated in India as a private limited company with 50:50 shareholding. Its role is to localise the manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of HAMMER for the operational needs of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The indigenisation level is planned to progressively increase up to 60%, with key sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical parts manufactured locally. BEL will lead final assembly, testing, and quality assurance.

HAMMER is described as a combat-proven precision-guided weapon system known for high accuracy and modular design. It is adaptable for multiple platforms, including Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. For static GK, the topic can be read as an example of indigenisation in defence, capability support for the Indian Air Force and Navy, and India-France defence-industrial cooperation. In prelims, likely points are the parties to the agreement, the 60% indigenisation target, the 50:50 joint venture structure, and BEL's assembly and testing role. In mains, it connects with defence production and self-reliance. It is better understood not merely as a weapon-name fact, but as a case of institutional role and local production model.