HAMMER Weapon System and LEAP Engine

Recently, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense of France announced a partnership to manufacture the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India. Apart from this, Safran Aircraft Engines expanded partnership with the HAL for the LEAP engine programme.

Joint Venture

The joint venture between BEL and Safran aims to localise the production of the HAMMER weapon system. This localisation will reduce import dependency and support the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The partnership is expected to enhance India’s capabilities in advanced weapon systems manufacturing.

About HAMMER Weapon System

• HAMMER is a powerful and accurate weapon system used in combat.
• Its modular design allows it to be used on different aircraft, including the Rafale and LCA Tejas fighter jets.
• The HAMMER is integrated with the Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Technology Transfer and Local Opportunities

The collaboration will facilitate technology transfer from Safran to BEL. This process will occur in phases, ensuring that BEL takes the lead in final assembly, testing, and quality assurance. The initiative will create opportunities for Indian industries, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), thereby boosting local manufacturing.

Centre of Excellence

As part of the partnership, a Centre of Excellence will be established. This centre will focus on enhancing India’s defence capabilities through joint industrial activities. Areas of interest include manufacturing, engineering, and operational maintenance of optronics and navigation equipment for the armed forces.

HAL-Safran Contract for LEAP Engine

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a long-term contract with Safran Aircraft Engines during the Aero India 2025.
• HAL will produce critical turbine forged parts for the LEAP engine.
• This partnership strengthens India’s aviation manufacturing sector and supports self-reliance in aircraft engine production.

Manufacturing at HAL’s Bengaluru Facility

• HAL’s Foundry & Forge Division will produce forged components using Ring Rolling technology.
• The new Bengaluru facility will employ 400 people and produce 30,000 equipment units annually by 2026.

HAL-Safran Past Collaboration

• Both companies developed the Shakti helicopter engine for Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
• They are also working on the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) engine.

India’s Importance in LEAP Engine Programme

• The LEAP engine is widely used in commercial aviation.
• 75% of Indian commercial aircraft use CFM engines (made by Safran-GE Aerospace).
• 370+ aircraft in India already operate on LEAP engines.
• Indian airlines have ordered over 2,000 LEAP engines.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2025

Category: Defence Current Affairs