France accelerates production of AASM aerial bombs due to successful use in Ukraine

The French Ministry of Defense announced its intention to accelerate the production of AASM Hammer precision air bombs due to their effectiveness in Ukraine. The French government plans to invest 128 million euros to expand production capacity.

A corresponding agreement is planned to be concluded with Safran, the main developer of AASM, by the end of July.

In 2024, Safran produced 830 sets instead of the planned 600, indicating increased demand, especially in Ukraine. For 2025, it is planned to produce 1,200 units, but with new investments, production volume may increase.

The AASM air bomb consists of navigation and power modules that transform a conventional air bomb into a "smart" weapon. These modules can be installed on bombs weighing from 250 to 1000 kg.The AASM is available in versions with GPS guidance, GPS and laser guidance, as well as GPS with infrared guidance. Thanks to the installed rocket engine, the bombs are able to hit targets at a distance of up to 70 km, and the new Hammer XLR modification, which was introduced in June, can hit targets at a distance of up to 200 km.

AASM Hammer has been used in Ukraine since the beginning of 2024 and allows for simultaneous strikes on stationary and moving targets, which significantly increases the effectiveness of Ukrainian military operations.