Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER)

Why in News?

India’s state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the French firm Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) recently signed a joint venture cooperation agreement (JVCA) to produce HAMMER.

• HAMMER is a modular guidance and propulsion kit fitted onto conventional bombs to make them Precise (GPS/INS or laser-guided), Long-range, and All-weather capable.
• It is also known as a glide bomb.
• It was developed by France.
• Key Features –
• Modular design
  • Guidance kit (front section) – Provides navigation and target accuracy
  • Range extension & propulsion unit (rear section) – Adds glide and powered range
  • Bomb body (middle) – Standard warhead (250 kg, 500 kg, 1000 kg class)
• Guidance Types
  • INS/GPS – For fixed targets in any weather
  • Laser guidance – For moving/high-value targets
  • Imaging Infrared (IIR) – For terminal targeting (in advanced models)
• Extended Range
  • Low altitude launch - ~15–20 km
  • High altitude launch - Up to 70 km
• High Accuracy - CEP (Circular Error Probable)- Less than 10 meters
• Platforms that use HAMMER
  • Rafale (India, France, Egypt, Qatar)
  • Mirage 2000
  • Other NATO-compatible aircraft (with integration)
• Significance for India - India uses HAMMER with the Rafale fighter jets, giving the Indian Air Force:
  • Stand-off strike capability
  • Deep-strike precision
  • Better survivability by avoiding enemy air defenses
  • Ability to strike in mountainous terrain (useful along northern borders)

Reference

The Indian Express | Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER)