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Context:
India has signed an agreement with France’s Safran to jointly manufacture, customise, supply and maintain the HAMMER (AASM) precision‑guided air‑to‑ground weapon. Manufacturing will be done in India through a 50:50 joint venture between Safran and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The pact strengthens defence indigenisation, Make in India, and India–France strategic defence cooperation.
What is HAMMER (AASM)?
- Full form: Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (AASM).
- Type: Stand‑off, precision‑guided air‑to‑ground weapon system.
- Function: Converts conventional “dumb” bombs into high‑accuracy smart munitions using modular guidance and propulsion kits.
Developer and Manufacturing
- Original developer: Safran Electronics & Defense, France.
- Indian production: Jointly manufactured by BEL–Safran JV (50:50).
- Scope of JV: Manufacturing, customisation, supply, maintenance, and lifecycle support in India.
Objective and Strategic Aim
- Provide the Indian Air Force with:
- High‑precision strike capability
- Stand‑off attack ability (launch from outside enemy air defence zones)
- Controlled escalation in conflict scenarios
- Reduced collateral damage and aircraft risk
