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First Recorded Combat Use of French AASM-250 Hammer Bombs by Ukrainian Su-25 Aircraft.
The first recorded combat use of French-made AASM-250 "Hammer" precision-guided bombs by Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft has been documented. This adaptation of the Su-25, originally designed for ground-attack missions using unguided munitions, marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Ukrainian Air Force’s precision strike capabilities.
The AASM-250 "Hammer" bomb enables precision strikes at long range. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
The integration of AASM-250 bombs on Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft represents a major upgrade to the Ukrainian Air Force's strike capabilities. The AASM-250 "Hammer" is a 250 kg guided munition developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, designed to deliver highly precise strikes at extended ranges. These bombs are equipped with a guidance kit and a solid-propellant booster, transforming conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions (PGMs).
Ukrainian aviation officials, including Colonel Serhiy Holubtsov, the head of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, confirmed the modification, stating, "Our Su-25 aircraft have been modernized to carry bombs equipped with jet engines. These are HAMMER bombs, and we use them very effectively."
The first operational use of these French-made bombs occurred in March 2024, when Su-25s deployed the AASM-250 against a Russian command post located at Kozachi Laheri, in the Kherson region. Geolocated footage showed the devastating impact of the strike, highlighting the accuracy and effectiveness of the AASM-250 in precision targeting. This operation underscores the growing role of Western-supplied armaments in Ukraine’s military strategy and its enhanced ability to conduct long-range strikes with greater precision.
The AASM-250 "Hammer" bomb is a valuable asset for Ukrainian forces, enabling precision strikes at long ranges. Weighing 250 kg, this bomb is designed for use in a variety of combat scenarios. Its precision is largely due to the guidance kit, which allows it to strike with high accuracy, even against moving or well-protected targets. Additionally, the bomb’s booster increases its effective range, making it ideal for launching from safe distances, thus reducing the exposure of aircraft to enemy defenses.
These features make the AASM-250 a valuable addition to Ukraine’s arsenal, allowing for strikes on critical infrastructure, command centers, and military equipment while reducing risks to pilots. The integration of this advanced technology on Su-25 aircraft represents a significant enhancement in Ukraine's precision strike capability.
The deployment of AASM-250 "Hammer" bombs provides a substantial boost to the operational effectiveness of the Ukrainian Air Force. By adapting the Su-25s, originally designed for close air support missions using unguided munitions, to carry these precision-guided bombs, Ukraine has greatly expanded its ability to conduct effective and accurate strikes over long distances. This transformation helps compensate for the diminishing supply of unguided munitions and addresses the evolving tactical needs of the Ukrainian military.
The use of the AASM-250 also allows for more targeted strikes, thereby reducing collateral damage and minimizing risks to civilian populations in conflict zones. This precision capability is especially crucial in Ukraine's ongoing efforts to neutralize high-value Russian targets while minimizing operational costs.
The use of AASM-250 "Hammer" bombs by Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft represents a key step in the evolution of the Ukrainian Air Force's strike capabilities. With the integration of these French-made precision-guided munitions, the Ukrainian Air Force is now capable of conducting more effective and precise strikes, enhancing its ability to target strategic Russian positions with greater accuracy. As the conflict continues, the introduction of such advanced systems is expected to play an increasingly vital role in Ukraine’s military operations, reflecting the growing technological support from the West to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts.