South Asian powers closely watching India-France HAMMER Missile MoU that is to be signed tomorrow!

India and France are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 17, 2026, in Bengaluru for joint production of HAMMER precision-guided missiles. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin will oversee the agreement during the sixth India-France Annual Defence Dialogue, aligning with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence will form a 50:50 joint venture to localize manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) for Indian Air Force Rafales and Navy Rafale Marines. Already battle-tested in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in 2025, HAMMER offers high accuracy for ground strikes. This boosts 'Make in India', supports the approved 114 Rafale order, and extends defence ties for another decade.