Indian Government firm Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and French Government-backed firm Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) have signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) for the production of Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground Weapon in India. The JVCA was inked by CMD, BEL Shri Manoj Jain and Executive Vice President, SED Mr Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar &amp; CEO Safran Mr Olivier Andries in New Delhi on Monday (Nov 24).HAMMER is a French-origin medium-range air-to-surface weapon that is used against ground targets such as bunkers, hardened shelters. With a range of over 70 km, the system enables fighter aircraft to release the weapon from a relatively safe distance from enemy air defence systems. Autonomous and insensitive to jamming, this weapon system can be launched from low altitude, over rough terrain.HAMMER can be integrated with bombs of varying sizes- 125kg, 250kg, 500kg and 1000kg. The HAMMER is a weapon that is in use on the Rafale aircraft, and it is meant to be used with India's indigenous Tejas jets as well.This latest agreement takes forward the MoU signed between BEL and SED on February 11, 2025, during the Indian Government's defence-aerospace show Aero India in Bengaluru. It reaffirms the willingness of both sides to incorporate a potential Joint Venture Company (JVC) in India. The JVC shall be formed as a private limited company with 50-50 shareholding.According to the firms, the BEL-SED JV will localise the manufacturing, supply and maintenance of HAMMER to meet the operational needs of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The indigenisation level will progressively increase up to 60 per cent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally. The transfer of production will happen in a phased manner, with BEL leading final assembly, testing and quality assurance, it was formally announced.WION had reported about multiple aspects of Indo-French defence cooperation during Aero India, which includes the RBE2 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar for the Rafale fighter jet, the Aravalli engines meant to power the 13-ton Medium Lift-class, Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both being designed &amp; developed by HAL, and the HAMMER smart weapon.In addition to the 36 French-origin Dassault Rafale aircraft that India purchased for its Air Force, India has also placed orders for 24 Rafale-Marine(Rafale-M) jets for operating from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers.

The JVCA was inked by CMD, BEL Shri Manoj Jain and Executive Vice President, SED Mr Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar & CEO Safran Mr Olivier Andries in New Delhi on Monday (Nov 24).

Indian Government firm Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and French Government-backed firm Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) have signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) for the production of Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground Weapon in India. The JVCA was inked by CMD, BEL Shri Manoj Jain and Executive Vice President, SED Mr Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar & CEO Safran Mr Olivier Andries in New Delhi on Monday (Nov 24). HAMMER is a French-origin medium-range air-to-surface weapon that is used against ground targets such as bunkers, hardened shelters. With a range of over 70 km, the system enables fighter aircraft to release the weapon from a relatively safe distance from enemy air defence systems. Autonomous and insensitive to jamming, this weapon system can be launched from low altitude, over rough terrain. HAMMER can be integrated with bombs of varying sizes- 125kg, 250kg, 500kg and 1000kg. The HAMMER is a weapon that is in use on the Rafale aircraft, and it is meant to be used with India's indigenous Tejas jets as well. This latest agreement takes forward the MoU signed between BEL and SED on February 11, 2025, during the Indian Government's defence-aerospace show Aero India in Bengaluru. It reaffirms the willingness of both sides to incorporate a potential Joint Venture Company (JVC) in India. The JVC shall be formed as a private limited company with 50-50 shareholding. According to the firms, the BEL-SED JV will localise the manufacturing, supply and maintenance of HAMMER to meet the operational needs of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The indigenisation level will progressively increase up to 60 per cent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally. The transfer of production will happen in a phased manner, with BEL leading final assembly, testing and quality assurance, it was formally announced. WION had reported about multiple aspects of Indo-French defence cooperation during Aero India, which includes the RBE2 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar for the Rafale fighter jet, the Aravalli engines meant to power the 13-ton Medium Lift-class, Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both being designed & developed by HAL, and the HAMMER smart weapon. In addition to the 36 French-origin Dassault Rafale aircraft that India purchased for its Air Force, India has also placed orders for 24 Rafale-Marine(Rafale-M) jets for operating from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers.

The JVCA was inked by CMD, BEL Shri Manoj Jain and Executive Vice President, SED Mr Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar &amp; CEO Safran Mr Olivier Andries in New Delhi on Monday (Nov 24).

France's HAMMER missile to be made in India. Details here

A close ally of Alexei Navalny, Leonid Volkov, was attacked with a hammer and tear gas outside his house in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania.&nbsp;

The incident took place days after Russian opposition leader&nbsp;Alexei Navalny died in the Arctic prison under mysterious circumstances.&nbsp;

Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said that an unknown assailant assaulted Volkov with a hammer and tear gas while he was sitting in his car on Tuesday night (Mar 12). He added that the assailant's motive is unknown.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prisoner-exchange-negotiations-were-underway-with-kremlin-before-navalnys-death-report-698206">Prisoner exchange negotiations were ‘underway’ with Kremlin before Navalny’s death: Report</a>

“Volkov has just been attacked outside his house. Someone broke a car window and sprayed teargas in his eyes, after which the attacker started hitting Leonid with a hammer,” wrote former Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;

<h2>Lithuania expresses 'shock', investigates the incident</h2>

According to the Reuters news agency, the Lithuanian police were informed of the incident and have been investigating the attack.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that the attack reported is “shocking”.

“News about Leonid’s assault is shocking. Relevant authorities are at work. Perpetrators will have to answer for their crime,” wrote Landsbergis on X.

The Lithuanian police told the local news outlet Delfi that “a man, a Russian citizen, was beaten near his home in Vilnius” on Tuesday evening.

Volkov recently urged Russians to turn out in big numbers for an election-day protest ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.

Ivan Zhdanov, another member of Navalny's team,&nbsp;shared pictures of Volkov on social media which showed his bloodied lower left leg and what appeared like a bruise to his temple.

Watch:&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail

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While informing if the assailant shouted anything during an attack, Zhdanov said, "Everything happened in silence. Of course this is a clear political attack, there is no doubt here".

Meanwhile, Volkov's wife said that he had broken his arm in the attack, however, now he has come back home from hospital adding that he was not able to walk due to the hammer blows to his leg.

"We will all work even more. And with even greater anger," she wrote on X.&nbsp;

Volkov has stayed outside Russia for a few years to ensure his own safety and served as chief-of-staff of Navalny up until the opposition leader lost his life in the Russian Arctic prison last month while serving a 19-year&nbsp;prison term.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A close ally of Alexei Navalny, Leonid Volkov, was attacked with a hammer and tear gas outside his house in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. The incident took place days after Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in the Arctic prison under mysterious circumstances.

A close ally of Alexei Navalny, Leonid Volkov, was attacked with a hammer and tear gas outside his house in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. The incident took place days after Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in the Arctic prison under mysterious circumstances. Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said that an unknown assailant assaulted Volkov with a hammer and tear gas while he was sitting in his car on Tuesday night (Mar 12). He added that the assailant's motive is unknown. Also Read: Prisoner exchange negotiations were ‘underway’ with Kremlin before Navalny’s death: Report “Volkov has just been attacked outside his house. Someone broke a car window and sprayed teargas in his eyes, after which the attacker started hitting Leonid with a hammer,” wrote former Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Lithuania expresses 'shock', investigates the incident According to the Reuters news agency, the Lithuanian police were informed of the incident and have been investigating the attack. Meanwhile, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that the attack reported is “shocking”. “News about Leonid’s assault is shocking. Relevant authorities are at work. Perpetrators will have to answer for their crime,” wrote Landsbergis on X. The Lithuanian police told the local news outlet Delfi that “a man, a Russian citizen, was beaten near his home in Vilnius” on Tuesday evening. Volkov recently urged Russians to turn out in big numbers for an election-day protest ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Ivan Zhdanov, another member of Navalny's team, shared pictures of Volkov on social media which showed his bloodied lower left leg and what appeared like a bruise to his temple. Watch: Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail While informing if the assailant shouted anything during an attack, Zhdanov said, "Everything happened in silence. Of course this is a clear political attack, there is no doubt here". Meanwhile, Volkov's wife said that he had broken his arm in the attack, however, now he has come back home from hospital adding that he was not able to walk due to the hammer blows to his leg. "We will all work even more. And with even greater anger," she wrote on X. Volkov has stayed outside Russia for a few years to ensure his own safety and served as chief-of-staff of Navalny up until the opposition leader lost his life in the Russian Arctic prison last month while serving a 19-year prison term. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's ally Leonid Volkov attacked with hammer in Lithuanian capital

After a series of racism scandals within the new Finnish government there are calls to ban the swastika and the hammer and sickle. Ben Zyskowicz, a Finnish MP has suggested ban the Nazi symbol as PM Petteri Orpo sets up a new working group to fight discrimination and racism. Molly Gambhir brings you the story.

Gravitas: Finland mulls banning Nazi symbol of hate as racism scandal rocks new govt

Poland's Olympic hammer champion Anita Wlodarczyk is set to&nbsp;be out of action for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for an injury that she had sustained while stopping a thief who tried to break into her car.

The three-time Olympic gold medallist took to her official Instagram account and revealed that she totally severed a thigh muscle during the unfortunate incident, which&nbsp;took place&nbsp;last week. Nonetheless, she remains focused and expressed her intent to take part&nbsp;in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

After posting a photo on Friday (June 10), Anita shared details about the incident where she got injured. She revealed that she had managed to get the better of the thief and&nbsp;handed him to the cops.&nbsp;"I single-handedly apprehended the thief and handed him over to the police. Unfortunately, I paid for it with a muscle injury. Injury diagnosed. Surgery on Monday," said the 36-year-old.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-neeraj-chopras-historic-throw-at-paavo-as-golden-boy-breaks-own-national-record-488301">Watch: Neeraj Chopra's historic throw at Paavo as golden boy breaks own national record</a>

Following her surgery, the 36-year-old veteran athlete revealed that she still has the hunger to attain her fourth gold in the Paris Olympics and will leave no stone unturned to come back to&nbsp;the top. "My athletics season is over. I am already after a successful surgery under the supervision of Dr. Robert. Faith and optimism do not leave me. Now a lot of work is waiting for me in rehabilitation. I will do everything to come back again to the top," said Wlodarczyk.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dajspok%C3%B3j?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dajspokój</a> Mój sezon lekkoatletyczny dobiegł końca 😳 jestem już po udanej operacji pod okiem dr Roberta Śmigielskiego 👌 Wiara i optymizm mnie nie opuszcza 💪 Teraz dużo pracy czeka mnie na rehabilitacji 🔥 zrobię wszystko aby po raz kolejny wrócić na szczyt 🥇 <a href="https://t.co/IXa2BzR7TN">pic.twitter.com/IXa2BzR7TN</a>
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Despite her setback, Anita hasn't gotten bogged down and remains determined for more glory in the coming years. For the unversed, she holds the women's world record in the hammer throw (82.98 metres) and is surely not done yet. Not a surprise that&nbsp;she&nbsp;is considered the greatest women’s hammer thrower of all time.

Poland's Olympic hammer champion Anita Wlodarczyk is set to be out of action for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for an injury that she had sustained while stopping a thief who tried to break into her car.

Poland's Olympic hammer champion Anita Wlodarczyk is set to be out of action for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for an injury that she had sustained while stopping a thief who tried to break into her car. The three-time Olympic gold medallist took to her official Instagram account and revealed that she totally severed a thigh muscle during the unfortunate incident, which took place last week. Nonetheless, she remains focused and expressed her intent to take part in the 2024 Paris Olympics. After posting a photo on Friday (June 10), Anita shared details about the incident where she got injured. She revealed that she had managed to get the better of the thief and handed him to the cops. "I single-handedly apprehended the thief and handed him over to the police. Unfortunately, I paid for it with a muscle injury. Injury diagnosed. Surgery on Monday," said the 36-year-old. ALSO READ | Watch: Neeraj Chopra's historic throw at Paavo as golden boy breaks own national record Following her surgery, the 36-year-old veteran athlete revealed that she still has the hunger to attain her fourth gold in the Paris Olympics and will leave no stone unturned to come back to the top. "My athletics season is over. I am already after a successful surgery under the supervision of Dr. Robert. Faith and optimism do not leave me. Now a lot of work is waiting for me in rehabilitation. I will do everything to come back again to the top," said Wlodarczyk. #dajspokój Mój sezon lekkoatletyczny dobiegł końca 😳 jestem już po udanej operacji pod okiem dr Roberta Śmigielskiego 👌 Wiara i optymizm mnie nie opuszcza 💪 Teraz dużo pracy czeka mnie na rehabilitacji 🔥 zrobię wszystko aby po raz kolejny wrócić na szczyt 🥇 pic.twitter.com/IXa2BzR7TN — anita wlodarczyk (@AnitaWlodarczyk) June 14, 2022 × Despite her setback, Anita hasn't gotten bogged down and remains determined for more glory in the coming years. For the unversed, she holds the women's world record in the hammer throw (82.98 metres) and is surely not done yet. Not a surprise that she is considered the greatest women’s hammer thrower of all time.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Anita Wlodarczyk out of remaining season, injured while chasing thief

In a freaky incident, a 57-year-old woman was robbed after being hit in the head with a hammer several times at a New York subway station, the police said. &nbsp;

In a news conference on Friday afternoon, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives James Essig said that police are searching for the suspect, who kicked the woman and struck her "numerous times" and fled on foot with her purse. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drugs-or-onions-3-million-worth-methamphetamine-seized-in-us-456994" hreflang="en">Drugs or onions? $3 million worth methamphetamine seized in US</a>

The victim has been identified as Nina Rothschild by the woman's family. Rothschild is a scientist for the New York City Department of Health. She was attacked just 15 minutes after leaving from work, the police said. &nbsp;

On Thursday at 11 pm, the woman was attacked by a six-foot-tall male, who was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans and holding a cane, Essig said. &nbsp;

"This is an unprovoked, brutal and appalling crime on a woman, who was just trying to get home after a day's work," Essig added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-eu-to-put-crippling-sanctions-on-russian-central-bank-block-swift-456943">US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT</a>

After the attack, Rothschild was bleeding from brain and taken to Cornell Medical Center with a fractured skull and lacerations to her face, Essig said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to her brother Gerson Rothschild, she has had part of her skull replaced with wire mesh. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The woman also has a drop foot. It is a condition where the patient is unable to lift foot. It is unclear whether a nerve damage or a mental block has caused it, her brother said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a freaky incident, a 57-year-old woman was robbed after being hit in the head with a hammer several times at a New York subway station, the police said. In a news conference on Friday afternoon, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives James Essig said that police are searching for the suspect, who kicked the woman and struck her "numerous times" and fled on foot with her purse.

In a freaky incident, a 57-year-old woman was robbed after being hit in the head with a hammer several times at a New York subway station, the police said. In a news conference on Friday afternoon, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives James Essig said that police are searching for the suspect, who kicked the woman and struck her "numerous times" and fled on foot with her purse. Also Read: Drugs or onions? $3 million worth methamphetamine seized in US The victim has been identified as Nina Rothschild by the woman's family. Rothschild is a scientist for the New York City Department of Health. She was attacked just 15 minutes after leaving from work, the police said. On Thursday at 11 pm, the woman was attacked by a six-foot-tall male, who was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans and holding a cane, Essig said. "This is an unprovoked, brutal and appalling crime on a woman, who was just trying to get home after a day's work," Essig added. Also Read: US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT After the attack, Rothschild was bleeding from brain and taken to Cornell Medical Center with a fractured skull and lacerations to her face, Essig said. According to her brother Gerson Rothschild, she has had part of her skull replaced with wire mesh. The woman also has a drop foot. It is a condition where the patient is unable to lift foot. It is unclear whether a nerve damage or a mental block has caused it, her brother said. (With inputs from agencies)

57-year-old woman gets hit in head with hammer several times at New York subway station

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