KYIV, Feb. 25, 2026 : France will deliver a record batch of AASM Hammer precision-guided aerial bombs to Ukraine, according to a February 25 report by RBC-Ukraine citing the press service of the French Ministry of Defense. The expanded deliveries follow a bilateral meeting in Kyiv between Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin.
During the meeting, the two ministers signed a Letter of Intent establishing a framework for joint weapons production in both Ukraine and France. The agreement outlines expanded industrial cooperation between the two countries and provides a basis for sustained production and supply of key munitions, including the AASM Hammer, for the Ukrainian Air Force.
Record-Level Deliveries
Ukraine and France are working toward a record level of AASM Hammer deliveries. France initially announced plans in early 2024 to supply the precision-guided bombs to Ukraine at a rate of approximately 50 units per month. Deliveries began in 2024 and have continued, with the current batch representing the largest volume transferred since the start of the program.
The increase in supply is supported by expanded production capacity in France. Safran Electronics & Defense, the manufacturer of the AASM guidance kits, increased output by 30 percent in 2025 compared with 2024. Production reached approximately 1,080 units in 2025, up from 830 units in 2024. The higher production rate supports both sustained deliveries to Ukraine and the replenishment of French Armed Forces stockpiles.
System Configuration and Technical Specifications
The AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) Hammer is a modular precision-guided munition developed by Safran. It is designed to convert conventional unguided bombs into stand-off precision weapons through the addition of a guidance and range-extension kit.
The configuration supplied to Ukraine is based on a 242-kilogram high-explosive Mk 82 bomb, representing the 250 kg-class variant of the system. The complete kit consists of a nose-mounted guidance section and a tail-mounted range-extension module equipped with folding wings and a solid-fuel rocket booster.
The weapon employs a combined GPS, inertial navigation system (INS), and laser guidance package. This hybrid guidance system enables a circular error probable (CEP) of up to 10 meters. The inclusion of the rocket booster provides a stand-off range exceeding 70 kilometers, allowing launch aircraft to strike ground targets from outside many short- and medium-range air defense envelopes.
The AASM family can also be fitted to Mk 83 and Mk 84 bomb bodies in heavier weight classes, though the version supplied to Ukraine is based on the Mk 82 warhead.
Integration with Ukrainian Aircraft
The AASM Hammer has been integrated across multiple aircraft types operated by the Ukrainian Air Force. These include Soviet-era platforms such as the Su-27, MiG-29, Su-25, and Su-24, as well as Western-supplied F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and French Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets.
According to the report, the bombs are being used continuously in operations against Russian military positions. The stand-off capability provided by the system allows Ukrainian aircraft to engage targets at extended distances while reducing exposure to air defense systems.
Industrial and Operational Context
The AASM Hammer entered service with the French Air and Space Force in 2008 and is also operated by several other countries. France’s decision to expand production reflects both operational demand in support of Ukraine and the requirement to maintain national stockpiles.
The newly signed Letter of Intent on joint weapons production is intended to broaden long-term defense-industrial cooperation between Kyiv and Paris. In addition to guided munitions, French military assistance to Ukraine includes the transfer of Mirage 2000-5F fighter aircraft and other defense systems.
The latest record-level delivery of AASM Hammer bombs forms part of this broader assistance framework and marks a continued expansion of Franco-Ukrainian defense collaboration.
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