KYIV (Azat TV) – Ukrainian Su-25 ground attack aircraft are now deploying French-manufactured AASM HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) bombs, marking a significant escalation in the types of advanced Western weaponry being utilized in the ongoing conflict. The deployment was confirmed by a visual report from the 299th Tactical Aviation Brigade, identified by the callsign ‘Soniashnyk’.
HAMMER Bombs Enhance Ukrainian Air Power
The AASM HAMMER is a modular, GPS-guided bomb kit that can be attached to standard bombs, transforming them into precision-guided munitions. Developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, the system is designed to increase the range and accuracy of air-to-ground attacks, allowing aircraft to strike targets from a safer distance. The integration of these French-made munitions into Ukraine’s air force operations signifies a growing reliance on sophisticated Western military aid to counter Russian forces.
Su-25 Operations and Precision Munitions
The Su-25 ‘Frogfoot’ is a dedicated close air support aircraft, known for its ruggedness and ability to operate from forward airfields. While traditionally armed with unguided rockets and bombs, the incorporation of precision-guided munitions like the HAMMER allows the Su-25 to engage targets with significantly higher accuracy, reducing collateral damage and increasing mission effectiveness. The ‘Soniashnyk’ report indicated that the aircraft dropped two such bombs, suggesting operational use rather than a test or demonstration.
Broader Context of Western Arms for Ukraine
The provision and use of AASM HAMMER bombs by Ukraine are part of a broader trend of Western allies supplying increasingly advanced and diverse weaponry to Kyiv. This includes systems such as HIMARS rocket launchers, Patriot air defense systems, and a variety of armored vehicles and artillery. The French government has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine, providing military, financial, and humanitarian aid since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022. The deployment of these specific munitions indicates a strategic decision to bolster Ukraine’s air-to-ground strike capabilities with precision-guided weapons that can operate effectively against fortified enemy positions.
The observed deployment of French AASM HAMMER bombs by Ukrainian Su-25s underscores the evolving nature of air warfare in the conflict, where the integration of precise, Western-supplied munitions is becoming a critical factor in Ukraine’s ability to sustain offensive operations and degrade Russian military assets.