AASM Hammer bombs on Ukrainian Su-25s shown online: Media explains advantage for Armed Forces
Illustrative photo: Su-25 (mil_in.ua)
A video has surfaced online, allegedly showing the combat use of French AASM Hammer guided bombs on modified Su-25 attack aircraft. This development could provide an advantage for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to Defense Express.
What preceded
A video has appeared on social media showing, the combat use of French AASM Hammer guided bombs from modified Su-25 attack aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force for the first time.
It is worth noting that there had been prior reports online about the use of these bombs and the "upgrades" to the Su-25. However, the new video provides a detailed demonstration of their deployment for the first time.
What this could mean for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
As noted by Defense Express, the use of these guided bombs clearly indicates modifications have been made to Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft. The video shows two such planes, with each Su-25 capable of carrying two AASM Hammer bombs during a combat mission.
The mechanics of deploying the AASM Hammer from the Su-25 are also quite specific. The bomb is launched with an upward maneuver, requiring the Su-25 to tilt its nose upwards at a certain angle. Before reaching the release point, the aircraft fly at low altitudes.
The video also reveals the use of "marine" AASM Hammer bombs. These have a unique feature: a concrete coating designed to minimize erosion in open-sea conditions, a practice common on US Navy aircraft carriers.
The footage is likely from last summer, which coincides chronologically with the first reports of the Su-25 being upgraded to deploy the French AASM Hammer bombs.
Defense Express believes that the ability to use French guided bombs provides Ukrainian assault aviation with a certain advantage over Russian Aerospace Forces' Su-25 aircraft. Russian forces have lamented their inability to adapt their Su-25s for deploying guided bombs equipped with UMPC modules.
AASM Hammer for Ukraine
In early 2024, France announced that it would supply Ukraine with about 50 AASM Hammer bombs per month. The deliveries are likely to have started in January 2024 and will continue at least until the end of the year. This means that the Ukrainian military will receive a minimum of 600 French-guided air bombs.
For more details about the French AASM Hammer, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.
