The meeting between Singh and Catherine Vautrin will also review India and France’s bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on expanding industrial collaboration
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will host his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru on Tuesday for the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue, where the two sides are expected to sign an MoU to manufacture Hammer missiles.
The meeting between Singh and Vautrin will also review India and France’s bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on expanding industrial collaboration.
The meeting will also see the renewal of a defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years, with the two sides expected to announce reciprocal deployment of officers at the Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments.
Singh and Vautrin will also be present for the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French PM Emmanuel Macron in Vemagal, Karnataka.
What are Hammer Missiles?
The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missile, currently deployed on the Dassault Rafale, has been procured from France so far. Under a proposed plan, its production is expected to be transferred to India.
The name “HAMMER” symbolises the impact of a hammer strike flattening a surface, highlighting the weapon’s capability to decisively neutralise its targets. It is a smart, precision-guided air-to-ground munition engineered for high accuracy.
With a strike range of approximately 60–70 kilometres, the system has proven effective in mountainous terrain and against heavily fortified bunkers. Domestic manufacturing is anticipated to accelerate supply for the Air Force, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
About the deal
According to a report by The Hindu, the missiles will be co-produced by Bharat Electronics Limited through a 50-50 joint venture with its original French manufacturer, Safran Electronics & Defence.
Alongside discussions on the missile programme, talks between India and France are also likely to address the proposed acquisition of 114 Dassault Rafale jets. Under the plan, 96 aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India, while the remaining jets will be delivered in fly-away condition. The deliveries will be overseen by Dassault Aviation.
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