France to provide Ukraine with AASM Hammer cruise bombs - what are they capable of?
This hybrid of a bomb and a missile works on the principle of "fire and forget," meaning that the projectile seeks out the target on its own
The press service of the French Ministry of Defense has confirmed that Ukraine will soon receive AASM cruise missiles.
"These bombs make it possible to carry out precise remote strikes to hit the rear of the Russian army," the ministry said in a statement cited by the BBC.
According to Lecorneuil, 50 bombs are planned to be delivered monthly starting in January. "This is a very tangible amount that can make a qualitative difference near the front line.
AASM technology ("Armement Air-Sol Modulaire" or "modular air-to-ground weapons") HAMMER ("Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range" or "Highly Maneuverable Modular Munition Extended Range", or "hammer") was developed by the French company Safran 15 years ago and has undergone a number of modifications and improvements over the years.
The basic idea was to install a special kit on a conventional aircraft bomb, making it highly accurate and long-range.
The AASM Hammer is compatible with various bomb standards (125, 250, 500 and 1000 kg).
"Autonomous and insensitive to obstacles, this weapon system can be launched from low altitudes over rough terrain," the manufacturer's website says.
The bomb is fitted with special devices on the front and rear that turn it into a high-precision munition.
A guidance system is installed in the front. It can be satellite, infrared or laser. The latter can even hit fast-moving targets.
The acceleration system is mounted behind the bomb. It has a solid-fuel jet engine and small stabilizer wings.
All this allows the AASM Hammer to be used at a distance of about 60-70 km, as well as in any weather and at low altitude.
This hybrid of a bomb and a missile works on the principle of "fire and forget," meaning that the projectile maneuvers independently to the target defined by the gunner without the involvement of the aircraft pilot.
The manufacturer claims that this bomb works in 99% of cases.
However, it is only known that this weapon has been used by Western fighters – French Rafale and American F-16. In the case of Ukraine, the bombs will have to be adapted to Soviet Su-24M or MiG-29 aircraft.
But the Ukrainian Armed Forces already has a positive experience of integrating Western Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles with these aircraft, Defense Express notes.
Background. As reported, France will provide Ukraine with 50 AASM Hammer bombs every month. Also, starting this month, the country plans to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with 3,000 shells per month.
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