**France Ramps Up Production of High-Precision “Hammer” Bombs for Ukraine**
In a significant boost to Ukraine’s military capabilities, France has rapidly adapted and increased production of its AASM (Air-to-Surface Missile) kits, known as “Hammer” bombs. This comes after the failure of US-made JDAM bombs in GPS-jammed environments.
Within four months, French company Safran modified the AASM kits to enable Ukrainian aircraft to deliver high-precision strikes against targets even when GPS signals are disrupted. The success of these precision munitions has led to their widespread adoption across Ukraine’s Soviet-era fleet, including MiG-29 fighters and Su-24 bombers.
The integration of Western aircraft, such as Lockheed Martin F-16s and upcoming Dassault Mirage 2000s, with American and French glide bombs is also expected. This expansion will further enhance Ukraine’s precision strike capabilities.
**Production Surges**
According to Le Parisien, Safran produced 830 AASM units in 2024, exceeding its production plan by almost 40%. The company plans to produce 1,200 more units in 2025. This represents a quadrupling of production since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
**Adapting for Ukraine**
The AASM kits were originally developed for French Rafale fighter jets but were adapted for Ukrainian Soviet-era Mig and Sukhoi fighters within four months during autumn 2023. The French government ordered this integration after US-made JDAM bombs missed targets due to Russian GPS jamming.
Safran stated that the adaptation now enables Ukraine to “engage targets with excellent precision.” This demonstrates the French company’s ability to rapidly respond to changing operational requirements and provide critical support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
**The AASM Hammer**
The AASM Hammer is a French guidance and propulsion kit for existing unguided free-fall bombs. It includes a rocket motor that extends its range from 15 km at low altitude to up to 70 km at high altitude. Two variants exist: the Hammer-250 for 227 kg Mk.82 bombs and the Hammer-1000 for 908 kg Mk.84 bombs, with final tests of the latter scheduled for late 2024.
Each bomb can carry an explosive payload ranging from 250 to 1,000 kg. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu previously promised delivering 50 AASM kits per month.
**Commentary**
The success of the AASM Hammer in Ukraine highlights the importance of precision-guided munitions in modern warfare. The ability to deliver high-precision strikes against targets even when GPS signals are disrupted is critical in today’s battlefield.
Safran Electronics and Defense president Franck Saudo emphasized that the AASM’s GPS-independent navigation is “absolutely critical” in Ukraine due to persistent Russian jamming. This underscores the need for militaries to invest in advanced technologies that can operate effectively in contested environments.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it is likely that precision-guided munitions like the AASM Hammer will play an increasingly important role in shaping military strategies and outcomes.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com
