French AASM Hammer empowers Ukrainian Su‑25 strike force
A video has surfaced online confirming that French AASM-guided bombs have been integrated with Su-25 attack aircraft. We explain what capabilities this configuration provides Ukrainian pilots.
Although information about adapting Su-25s to carry French AASM Hammer-guided bombs was previously mentioned (work on this project was supposed to start in mid-2024), there was a lack of video evidence. Now, a video shared on social media shows a Ukrainian aircraft equipped with the AASM Hammer in the 250-kilogram variant.
Su-25 carries AASM Hammer guided bombs
The AASM Hammer (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) is a solution developed by the French company Safran Electronics & Defense, often compared to the American JDAM/ER. It's a module that can be used with standard Mk 82/83/84 bombs and significantly enhance their capabilities.
It consists of two main sections: guidance (in several variants, including a hybrid inertial navigation and GPS system) and a range enhancement kit. The French chose to use a solid-fuel rocket motor, which allowed the bomb to be launched even during low-altitude flight while ensuring a range of several kilometres.
The Ukrainian portal Defence Express cites an example of the effective use of the AASM Hammer 250 at a distance of about 15 kilometres from the main frontline. According to the Ukrainians, the French solution provides them the ability to strike critical Russian targets from a safer distance, thereby minimising the risk taken by pilots.
Ukrainians modernise aircraft for Western weapons
At the outbreak of the full-scale war with Russia, the Ukrainian air force relied on Soviet-era aircraft that were not capable of working with modern Western allies' weaponry. However, Ukrainians have implemented appropriate modifications, significantly increasing the effectiveness of their air force on the battlefield.
In addition to adopting the Su-25 to carry French AASM Hammer-guided bombs, it was crucial to adapt MiG-29 fighters for this role. Additionally, Ukrainians have worked on modernising Su-24M frontline bombers to launch long-range SCALP-EG cruise missiles from them.
