According to Le Parisien, the French defense manufacturer Safran will produce 1,200 AASM Hammer bombs next year, up from 830 units in 2024. These bombs, which have become a preferred weapon for Ukrainian combat aircraft, are part of France’s ongoing military assistance to Ukraine.
What Are AASM Hammer Bombs?
The AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire), also known as Hammer, is a modular air-to-ground smart bomb designed to convert conventional munitions into precision-guided weapons. Developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, the system integrates:
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Navigation modules using inertial and GPS guidance,
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Propulsion systems for extended-range capabilities.
This modular configuration allows the bomb to strike both stationary and moving targets with high accuracy—even in conditions of active GPS jamming, which is common in the war against Russia.
“These two guidance and propulsion modules make the AASM invulnerable to enemy interference while ensuring navigation to the target,” said Jean-Noël Mayet, operations director at Safran.
Adapted for Ukrainian MiGs and Su-35s
Originally developed for French Rafale jets, the AASM system was rapidly adapted for Ukrainian aircraft, including MiG and Su-35 fighters. The modification process, carried out in under four months in 2023, followed reports that American JDAM bombs were failing to hit targets in Ukraine due to Russian GPS jamming.
“The AASM is now being delivered at a rate of 50 units per month,” the report states, adding that demand from Kyiv is rising steadily.
Strategic Impact and Western Recognition
The AASM Hammer has been praised by American and NATO military experts, who have described it as a "miracle weapon" well-suited to Ukraine’s needs in modern warfare. The system allows Ukrainian forces to:
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Strike multiple targets simultaneously,
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Operate at various altitudes,
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Maintain precision under electronic warfare conditions.
Depending on the configuration, the AASM can carry warheads ranging from 250 kg to 1,000 kg, making it versatile for both targeted operations and large-scale strikes.
France’s Broader Military Support
In January 2024, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed France would deliver 50 AASM bombs monthly to Ukraine. The decision to expand production in 2025 reflects:
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Rising Ukrainian battlefield requirements,
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Successful deployment and performance of the AASM system,
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France’s commitment to long-term support for Ukraine’s defense.
Conclusion
The doubling of AASM production not only strengthens Ukraine’s tactical capabilities, but also underscores the growing technological cooperation between France and Ukraine. As Western countries continue to ramp up military aid, smart weapons like AASM are playing a pivotal role in countering Russia’s electronic warfare advantage.
