8INDIAREVIEWDECEMBER, 2025COMMERCE MINISTER VISITS JAPAN TO EXPLORE LIGHTS-OUT MANUFACTURINGRecently, H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, traveled to Japan to examine advanced automation technologies and the lights-out manufacturing model.The minister undertakes a Japan visit to study advanced automation and lights-out manufacturing, promoting industrial innovation, modern manufacturing technologies, and factory automation Japan practices.His visit is part of the Third National Development Strategy's emphasis on improving the efficiency of all industries, enhancing high-tech domestic production capability, and decreasing reliance on traditional labour for key industrial sectors.The Minister was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA).During his visit, H E Sheikh Faisal had technical meetings with SoftBank, where he received a presentation on SoftBank's advanced capacity with respect to robotics system integration, digital control systems, and factory management solutions for semiconductor factories.Meetings also emphasized Japan's operational excellence and high-quality standards, as well as advanced industrial practices, along with discussions on how these innovations could be used to improve Qatar's manufacturing sector.The agenda included site tours throughout Tokyo and various industrial districts, where the Minister was able to tour advanced manufacturing facilities and observe advanced manufacturing technologies such as Lights-Out Manufacturing technologies that allow for fully automated production with little human intervention. This excursion highlights the Ministry's goal to promote industrial innovation and advance the global competitiveness of Qatar's manufacturing sector. Qatar wants to create a sustainable, high-tech industrial base by utilizing advanced technology and best practices from across the globe.These objectives align with the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy and work towards the nation's overall transition towards a knowledge- and technology-based economy, promoting long-term industrial growth and global competitiveness. IMRIndia and France sign India France defence pact for HAMMER weapon production, advancing precision guided munition and air-to-ground weapon India projects through defence manufacturing collaboration, strengthening Indo-French defence ties.Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) from India has collaborated with Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) from France to establish a joint venture agreement (JVCA) on the production of Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) Air-to-Ground Smart Precision Guided Weapons in India.This agreement was signed by BEL CMD Manoj Jain and SED Executive VP Alexandre Ziegler, and witnessed by Defence Secretary Sanjeev Kumar and Safran CEO Olivier Andries, recently in New Delhi.According to the Ministry of Defence, the JVCA follows the previously stated intention to create a Joint Venture Company (JVC) in India between BEL and SED in the MoU dated 11 February 2025 (in conjunction with Aero India). This agreement will contribute greatly towards the success of Make-In-India initiatives in Defence Manufacturing.The MoD stated, "The JVC shall be formed as a private limited company with 50:50 shareholding. It will localise the manufacturing, supply and maintenance of HAMMER to meet the operational needs of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy".It added, "The indigenisation level will progressively increase upto 60 percent 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".With HAMMER being a combat-proven air-to-ground weapon with precision targeting capability as a result of its modular design, it can be used on many types of platforms such as the Rafale Fighter or Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. The partnership will enable BEL to enhance India's Defence Industrial Base and receive access to SED's wealth of knowledge in smart precision-guided weapon manufacturing, thus helping to advance indigenous defence capabilities internationally. IMRTOP STORIESINDIA & FRANCE SIGN PACT TO PRODUCE HAMMER PRECISION WEAPON
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