France Sends AASM Hammer Bombs to Ukraine Amid Escalating Conflict
The conflict in Ukraine has entered a new phase as France announced that it will supply Ukraine with 50 AASM Hammer precision aircraft bombs every month, as well as 40 additional SCALP EG cruise missiles. These weapons are expected to boost the Ukrainian Air Force’s capabilities to strike Russian-backed separatists and Russian forces in the Donbass region.
What are AASM Hammer Bombs?
AASM Hammer (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) is a family of precision-guided munitions developed by Safran, a French aerospace company. AASM Hammer consists of a guidance kit and a range augmentation unit fitted to standard 250 kg bombs. It is offered in three versions: SBU-38 (inertial and GPS guidance), SBU-54 (GPS-inertial and laser guidance), and SBU-64 (GPS, inertial, and infrared guidance). Safran also offers the AASM on 125, 500, and 1,000 kg bombs.
AASM Hammer can be fired at stand-off distance, day or night, under all weather conditions. It has a range exceeding 50 km and can perform high-precision vertical strikes. It can also be launched at low altitude and highly off-axis, making it suitable for complex and dynamic scenarios. AASM Hammer is compatible with various platforms, such as Rafale, Mirage 2000, F-16, and Gripen.
Why is France Sending AASM Hammer Bombs to Ukraine?
France is one of the leading supporters of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a member of the Normandy Format, a diplomatic group that seeks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. France has been providing military assistance to Ukraine since 2014, including training, equipment, and intelligence.
France’s decision to send AASM Hammer bombs to Ukraine is a response to the recent escalation of violence in the Donbass region, where Russian-backed separatists and Russian forces have been clashing with Ukrainian troops. According to the UN, more than 13,000 people have been killed and over 1.5 million displaced since the conflict began in 2014.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron said that the supply of AASM Hammer bombs and SCALP EG missiles is a “strong signal” of France’s solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to defend European security. He also urged Russia to respect the Minsk agreements, which call for a ceasefire, a withdrawal of heavy weapons, and a political dialogue.
How Will AASM Hammer Bombs Affect the Conflict in Ukraine?
The supply of AASM Hammer bombs to Ukraine is likely to enhance the Ukrainian Air Force’s ability to conduct precision strikes against the separatists and Russian forces in the Donbass region. The AASM Hammer bombs can be used to target command and control centers, air defense systems, artillery positions, and other high-value targets. The AASM Hammer bombs can also reduce the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties, as they have a high accuracy and a low explosive yield.
However, the supply of AASM Hammer bombs to Ukraine may also provoke a reaction from Russia, which considers the conflict in Ukraine as a domestic matter and accuses the West of interfering. Russia has been deploying troops and weapons near the Ukrainian border, raising fears of a possible invasion or a large-scale offensive. Russia has also warned that it will take “appropriate measures” to protect its interests and security in the region.
Therefore, the supply of AASM Hammer bombs to Ukraine may have both positive and negative consequences for the conflict in Ukraine. On one hand, it may deter further aggression from Russia and support Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty. On the other hand, it may escalate the tension and violence in the region and trigger a wider confrontation between Russia and the West.
