The HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range) is a French-designed Air-to-Surface Modular (AASM) precision-guided weapon system.
Key Features and Significance for India
- Type: It is an Air-to-Surface Precision Strike Weapon (often called a 'glide bomb').
- Manufacturer: Developed by the French firm Safran Electronics & Defence.
- Functionality: HAMMER consists of a guidance kit and a range extension kit attached to standard unguided bombs (250 kg, 500 kg, or 1000 kg).
- It uses a combination of INS (Inertial Navigation System) and GPS guidance for high accuracy. Some variants can include laser/imaging guidance.
- Range and Capability: Effective strike range of up to 70 km. Its key advantage is the ability to strike targets with high accuracy, even in difficult terrains or at low altitudes, with anti-jamming capability.
- India's Context:
- Acquisition: India initially procured HAMMER to rapidly enhance the strike capability of its Rafale fighter jets, especially following heightened border tensions.
- 'Make in India' Defence: The recent agreement between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran to jointly manufacture the HAMMER weapon system in India marks a significant step towards indigenization under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in the defence sector.
- Platform Integration: It is modular, allowing for easier integration with other Indian aircraft platforms like the LCA Tejas.
- Defence Preparedness: Focuses on the induction of advanced PGM (Precision-Guided Munitions) to enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) deep strike capability.
- Indigenization: Highlights the shift towards joint production and technology transfer, reducing reliance on foreign weapon systems and strengthening the domestic defence industrial base.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
