New Delhi: India plans indigenous production of 600 HAMMER precision weapons as part of a major defence modernization programme aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. If approved, the project will significantly improve India’s precision strike capability while supporting the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Details of Indigenous HAMMER Precision Weapons
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to consider several key defence proposals during its latest meeting. Among the most important is the purchase of around 600 Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) precision-guided weapons.
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The meeting is also significant because it is among the first attended by India’s newly appointed senior military leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
What Is the HAMMER Precision Weapon
HAMMER stands for Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range. It is also known as the Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM).
Developed by France’s Safran Electronics & Defense, the weapon converts conventional bombs into highly accurate precision-guided munitions by adding advanced guidance and propulsion kits.
The system can engage both fixed and moving targets with high accuracy, even in difficult weather conditions. It is designed for modern air combat where precision and stand-off capability are critical.
Indigenous Production Under Make in India
One of the biggest highlights of the proposal is that the HAMMER weapons are planned to be manufactured in India. Earlier, Safran Electronics & Defense and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed agreements to establish a joint venture for local production of HAMMER systems. The partnership aims to:
- Transfer advanced defence technology to India.
- Increase indigenous manufacturing.
- Reduce dependence on imported weapons.
- Create opportunities for Indian defence industries and MSMEs.
- Build long-term maintenance and upgrade capabilities inside India.
Indigenous HAMMER Precision Weapons: Estimated Value of the Project
The proposed procurement is estimated to be worth around ₹2,400 crore. The acquisition forms part of a broader defence procurement package that includes other important systems such as indigenous Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MP-ATGM), Verba air defence systems and high-altitude pseudo-satellites.
Which Aircraft Will Use HAMMER Weapons
The new HAMMER weapons are expected to equip:
- Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets
- Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
- Indian Navy’s upcoming Rafale Marine fighter aircraft
This common weapon system will improve operational flexibility across multiple combat platforms.
Why HAMMER Is Important
The HAMMER system provides several operational advantages:
- Precision strikes against fixed and moving targets.
- Stand-off attack capability of up to around 70 km, depending on launch conditions.
- Effective performance in all weather conditions.
- Multiple guidance options, including GPS, inertial navigation and infrared seekers.
- Reduced exposure of fighter aircraft to enemy air defence systems.
Operational History in India
India first inducted HAMMER weapons through emergency procurement after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with China. The Indian Air Force later deployed the weapons on its Rafale fleet, where they provided a rapid precision-strike capability, especially for high-altitude operations.
The proposed new order would significantly expand the inventory and support wider deployment across additional aircraft.
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