France Unveils AASM XLR Smart Bomb: Doubling Rafale's Strike Range with Next-Gen Precision

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, France’s defense industry marked a major leap in precision strike capabilities with the unveiling of the new AASM XLR (Extended Long Range) smart bomb. Developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, the AASM XLR is a significant upgrade to the existing AASM Hammer family of air-to-ground munitions, promising to double the strike range of the Rafale multirole fighter jet, especially the upcoming F5 standard version.

This next-generation smart bomb is built around the same core idea as the earlier AASM versions: modularity, flexibility, and precision. But now, with advanced propulsion and improved guidance, the AASM XLR brings long-range strike capability to a new level.

Two Powerful Variants: XLR 250 & XLR 1000

Safran showcased two main versions of the AASM XLR:

• AASM XLR 250: Designed for medium-range stand-off missions like Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and low-altitude strikes, this variant uses a 250 kg Mk82 bomb with a 40 kg warhead. It features an integrated turbojet engine and dual-mode terminal guidance (including inertial navigation, GPS, infrared, and/or laser). This makes it ideal for precision attacks from outside enemy air defense zones.

• AASM XLR 1000: This variant is tailored for hitting hardened, high-value targets from long distances. It carries a heavier 1,000 kg Mk84 or BLU-109 bomb, retaining the modular design but significantly increasing its destructive power. Like the 250 version, it integrates smoothly with the Rafale’s targeting systems and offers high accuracy even in GNSS-denied environments.

Boosting the Rafale's Reach

With the new turbojet propulsion module, the AASM XLR's range can reach 150 to 200 kilometers, depending on launch altitude and speed. This effectively doubles the strike envelope of the Rafale, enabling it to hit targets far beyond the reach of conventional gravity bombs or short-range precision weapons.

This extended range allows Rafale jets to launch precision strikes while remaining well outside hostile air defense zones—making missions safer and more effective.

A Proven Legacy, Now Enhanced

The AASM family, originally developed by Sagem in the early 2000s, is known for its modularity. It allows for combinations of different bomb sizes, guidance systems, and propulsion types. The AASM Hammer 250 is already operational in several countries, including France, India, Egypt, Qatar, Morocco, and Croatia. The AASM Hammer 1000 is currently used by France’s Air and Space Force on Rafale F4.1 aircraft.

With the unveiling of the XLR version, Safran is extending this proven system into the future battlefield—where range, precision, and flexibility are more important than ever.

Future Prospects

As the Rafale fighter sees wider adoption across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the AASM XLR is poised to become a key export item. Countries like the UAE, which will begin receiving Rafale F4 jets from 2027, could soon benefit from this new smart bomb, depending on future procurement decisions.

The AASM XLR is more than just an upgraded bomb—it represents a strategic shift in air-launched weapons. By offering a longer reach, stronger punch, and unmatched precision, it turns the Rafale into a true long-range strike platform, capable of operating in even the most contested environments. Safran’s innovation ensures that France and its allies remain a step ahead in modern aerial warfare.