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State-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and French aerospace major Safran have formed a joint venture to manufacture Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) air-to-ground missiles in India, marking a major step forward in the India-France defence partnership.
HAMMER is a combat-proven, precision-guided weapon system known for its high accuracy and modular design, making it adaptable for multiple platforms, including the Rafale and light combat aircraft Tejas. The development comes during French President Emmanuel Macron's three-day visit to India to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and meet PM Modi. Macron landed in Mumbai early this morning.
During his India visit, Macron has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 summit scheduled to be held in Evian, France, in June 2026.
What Emmanuel Macron said?
Speaking during a joint press briefing alongside PM Modi in Mumbai, Macron said, discussions were held on moving the India-France partnership forward, noting that the relationship has been transformed into a special strategic partnership. He said that France wants to be a trusted partner for India and work together to create a path for the world away from hegemony. Macron added that his discussions with PM Modi also opened up new avenues, particularly in the area of technology transfer.
Macron said France is keen to work closely with India on fighter jets and submarines and aims to be a partner in India’s high-speed rail projects. He also said discussions are underway to end the transfer visa requirement for Indians entering France. Macron added that India and France share similar views on the Indo-Pacific region and are aligned in their belief in a multilateral world order.
What Prime Minister Modi said?
PM Modi said relations between India and France are special and that India shares a special global strategic partnership with France, one that knows no boundaries. He said the helicopter manufacturing line is a reflection of the resilience of the bilateral partnership. Modi also highlighted the India-France agreement on avoiding double taxation and said both countries support all efforts for peace in Ukraine and West Asia, adding that the India-France partnership remains a force for global stability.
India-France to jointly build Everest-capable helicopter
PM Modi said India and France will jointly manufacture a helicopter capable of operating at the heights of Mount Everest, describing it as a new milestone in the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
He said the collaboration reflects how bilateral ties have evolved beyond conventional areas of cooperation. He noted that the partnership “knows no boundaries,” extending from deep-sea cooperation to advanced aerospace technology.
The announcement came as the two leaders virtually inaugurated the final assembly line for the Airbus H125 light utility helicopter at Vemagal in Karnataka, a project that marks India’s first private-sector helicopter final assembly facility. The initiative is being developed through collaboration between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems and is expected to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing under the Make in India push.
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