**France Steps Up Support for Ukraine with AASM Hammer Bombs**
In a boost to Ukraine’s military capabilities, France has announced plans to manufacture 1,200 AASM Hammer bombs in 2025. The highly agile modular munition extended range (AASM) bomb is an all-weather, smart air-to-surface stand-off weapon developed by Safran Electronics & Defense.
**What are Glide Bombs?**
Glide bombs are modified standard air-dropped bombs that have been fitted with wings and a navigation system. This allows them to be launched from a distance, rather than directly over the target. The technology dates back to World War II, with the German Fritz X bomb being one of the first of its kind.
**The AASM Hammer Bomb**
The AASM Hammer is one of several modern Western models of glide bombs. It has already been used by Ukraine to great effect and has become a weapon of choice for their air force due to its high accuracy and resistance to Russian electronic warfare. The GPS navigation system can be enhanced with infrared and laser guidance, making it incredibly difficult to jam.
**Ukraine’s Use of Hammer Bombs**
The AASM Hammer bomb is being used by Ukraine to target logistics hubs, command posts, and high-value assets located beyond the front line. Safran has adapted the bomb so that it can be used by Ukrainian MiG and Su aircraft. France hopes to supply Ukraine with around 50 AASM bombs each month.
**Effectiveness of Hammer Bombs**
The AASM Hammer bomb is a highly effective weapon due to its extended range, high accuracy, and resistance to Russian electronic warfare. The maximum range of the bomb is around 70 kilometers, allowing Ukrainian fighter jets to launch them near the front line. Once launched, there’s very little the target can do, even if it manages to see it coming.
**Russian Countermeasures**
Russia has been using glide bombs to devastating effect in Ukraine, and has developed its own electronic countermeasures designed to disrupt their accuracy. However, Ukraine has also developed electronic warfare methods to jam the navigation systems of Russian glide bombs.
**Impact on Conflict**
The use of Hammer bombs by Ukraine is likely to put pressure on Russian forces, forcing them to re-evaluate their positions. The effectiveness of these bombs will be crucial in determining the outcome of the conflict.
As the situation on the ground continues to evolve, one thing is clear: France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine with advanced military capabilities will play a significant role in shaping the future of the conflict.
**Sources**
* Kyiv Independent: “France Is Sending Ukraine More AASM Hammer Bombs. Here’s What They Can Do”
* OSINTtechnical Twitter account: remarkable footage of Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 conducting a bombing run with French-supplied AASM Hammer guided bombs
