RAS question
The BEL-Safran JV targets what percentage of indigenisation for HAMMER weapons?
Correct answer: (B) 60%.
The BEL-Safran joint venture targets up to 60 per cent indigenisation for HAMMER precision-guided weapons in India.
Explanation
The BEL-Safran joint venture targets 60 per cent indigenisation because the agreement is not just for importing HAMMER weapons; it is meant to localise their manufacturing, supply and maintenance in India. Webindia123 News reports that Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics and Defence signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement for producing the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range, or HAMMER, smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India. The proposed joint venture will serve the operational needs of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, and indigenisation will progressively rise up to 60 per cent as key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts are made locally.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 40 per cent understates the target; indigenisation will progressively increase up to 60 per cent.
- (C) 50 per cent matches the proposed 50:50 shareholding pattern of the joint venture, not the indigenisation target for HAMMER weapons.
- (D) 80 per cent is not supported by Webindia123 News, which caps the stated target at 60 per cent.
Concept
This tests defence indigenisation under Science and Technology, especially Make-in-India-linked joint ventures for advanced weapon systems. RAS often asks such figures because they connect current defence agreements with strategic self-reliance and domestic manufacturing.