French precision: Ukraine enhances Su‑25 with AASM Hammer
A video has surfaced online confirming that French AASM Hammer guided bombs have been integrated with Su-25 attack aircraft. We explain what capabilities this configuration offers Ukrainian pilots.
Although information about adapting the Su-25 to carry French AASM Hammer-guided bombs had appeared earlier (work on this project was supposed to start in mid-2024), there was a lack of video evidence. Now, such evidence can be claimed, as a video posted on social media shows a Ukrainian plane with an AASM Hammer in the 250 kg variant.
Su-25 carries guided AASM Hammer bombs
The AASM Hammer (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) is a system developed by the French company Safran Electronics & Defense, often compared to the American JDAM/ER. It's a module that can be used in standard Mk 82/83/84 bombs, significantly enhancing their capabilities.
It consists of two main sections: guidance (in several variants, including hybrid inertial navigation and GPS) and a range-extension kit. The French have opted to use a solid propellant rocket engine, which allows the bomb to be launched even during low-altitude flights and still achieve a range of several kilometers.
As an example, the Ukrainian portal Defence Express cites the effective use of the AASM Hammer 250 at a distance of about 15 kilometers from the main frontline. According to the Ukrainians, the French solution allows them to strike critical Russian targets from a safer distance, thereby minimizing the risk taken by pilots.
Ukrainians modernize aircraft for Western weaponry
At the outbreak of the full-scale war with Russia, the Ukrainian Air Force relied on Soviet-era aircraft that were not capable of operating with modern weapons from Western allies. However, Ukrainians managed to make suitable modifications, thereby significantly increasing the effectiveness of their air force on the battlefield.
Beyond adapting the Su-25 to carry French AASM Hammer-guided bombs, it was also crucial to adapt MiG-29 fighters for this role. Additionally, Ukrainians have worked on modernizing front-line Su-24M bombers to launch long-range SCALP-EG cruise missiles from them.
