France targets production of 1,200 new AASM bombs for Ukraine and National Defense.

According to a report from the French National Assembly’s Defense Committee published on November 8, 2024, the French Ministry of Armed Forces is reportedly aiming to produce 1,200 new AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) units by 2025 to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense needs while also replenishing and expanding the French Air and Space Force's (AAE) own munitions stock. This decision follows an earlier announcement that France is set to deliver 600 soon-to-be-retired AASM munitions to Ukraine by the end of 2024.
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The AASM’s modular design supports different bomb weights, from 125 kilograms to 1,000 kilograms, and includes an aerodynamic extension kit with winglets and a rocket booster to increase range. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The AASM, also known as the Hammer, is a versatile French air-to-surface weapon developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, suitable for both close air support and long-range strike missions. This smart weapon is modular, allowing it to be configured with various guidance systems according to operational needs. The most common version integrates a hybrid inertial navigation system (INS) and GPS for guidance, achieving high accuracy with a circular error probability (CEP) of about 10 meters. For enhanced precision, variants equipped with infrared or laser guidance can strike targets within one meter of accuracy, even against moving targets.

The weapon’s modular design supports different bomb weights, from 125 kilograms to 1,000 kilograms, and includes an aerodynamic extension kit with winglets and a rocket booster to increase range. AASM bombs can be launched from various aircraft, including the Dassault Rafale and Mirage 2000D, as well as platforms used by other nations, such as India’s Tejas and the F-16. France’s decision to prioritize the production of these munitions reflects the increasing demand for high-precision strike capabilities among allied forces and underscores the growing role of the AASM in contemporary conflicts.

Since its introduction in 2007, the AASM has been deployed in multiple operations, starting with its combat debut in Afghanistan in 2008. It later saw significant use in Libya in 2011, where French forces employed the weapon to strike both ground and airborne targets. In recent years, India placed an order for the AASM Hammer in 2020 and has since integrated it with the indigenous Tejas fighter. Additionally, following an announcement in January 2024, France has been supplying Ukraine with AASM units at a rate of 50 units per month. This commitment has enabled Ukrainian forces to use the weapon in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict, with the first documented use by Ukraine occurring on March 5, 2024.

In January 2024, President Emmanuel Macron announced that 50 AASM bombs would be delivered monthly to Ukraine throughout the year, totaling 600 units. These bombs are designed to be used with fighter jets such as the Rafale and Mirage 2000. However, French and Ukrainian engineers have successfully adapted the AASM to be compatible with Ukraine's MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft.

Since March 2024, Ukraine has incorporated AASM bombs into its military operations. These munitions enable the Ukrainian air forces to conduct long-range precision strikes while minimizing risks to pilots. Videos have shown Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s dropping AASMs on Russian targets, notably in the Kherson and Belgorod regions. The use of these bombs has allowed Ukraine to effectively target enemy positions, including military infrastructure and command centers, while reducing collateral damage.