France makes super-powerful version of AASM bomb: What makes it unique

High-precision AASM kits are manufactured by Safran Electronics & Defense under the name Hammer. They consist of a guidance kit and a rocket engine to increase the range. Such engines are usually installed on conventional free-fall bombs weighing 227 kg.

But in 2017, France and the manufacturer signed a €85 million contract to adapt the AASM kits to 925 kg bombs, including the Mk84 high-explosive fragmentation bomb and the BLU109 concrete bomb.

Earlier, Safran said that this new weapon will give the Rafale increased strike capability, especially with a payload configuration of up to three 1,000-kg AASMs per aircraft.

The new version of the munition can be used on the Rafale, which is one of the world's most advanced fourth-generation fighters.

AASM

AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) is a French precision-guided aircraft munition known for its modular design. AASM bombs can be equipped with various guidance systems, including inertial, GPS, and laser, which allows them to hit targets at a distance of up to 70 km with high accuracy. Thanks to these capabilities, AASM ensures effective performance of tasks in difficult weather conditions and in the face of active enemy air defense.

The main feature of the AASM is its modularity, which allows conventional unguided bombs to be converted into precision weapons. This munition is actively used by the French Air Force and exported to other countries to provide precision air support on the battlefield.

At the beginning of the year, France announced that it would provide Ukraine with about 50 AASM Hammer bombs per month. Deliveries will begin in January 2024 and will last at least until the end of the year. This means that the Ukrainian military will receive at least 600 French guided aerial bombs.

To learn more about the French AASM Hammer, read RBC-Ukraine's article.