France has unveiled a significant advancement in precision aerial munitions with the presentation of the AASM Hammer XLR, a next-generation guided bomb kit designed to dramatically extend the reach and safety of strike aircraft. This new variant of the AASM Hammer guided bomb boasts a remarkable increase in range, promising to revolutionise aerial bombardment tactics.
The most notable upgrade in the AASM Hammer XLR is its propulsion system. Unlike the basic version, which utilises a solid rocket booster, the new XLR variant incorporates a small turbojet engine at its rear. This innovative engineering decision is responsible for multiplying the bomb’s range by two to three times, allowing strike aircraft to engage targets from significantly safer distances.
The primary advantage of this extended range is clear: it enables bombs to be dropped well beyond the effective reach of enemy air defence systems. This capability drastically reduces the exposure and vulnerability of valuable combat aircraft and their crews, enhancing mission success rates while minimizing risks. In contemporary conflicts where advanced air defence networks pose a constant threat, such “stand-off” capabilities are indispensable.
The foundational AASM Hammer has already proven its mettle on the battlefield. It has been successfully integrated into Ukrainian MiG-29 fighters and Su-25 attack aircraft, demonstrating its effectiveness against a variety of targets. Reports indicate its successful deployment in destroying Russian command posts, neutralising unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator positions, breaching fortifications, and targeting concentrations of enemy manpower.
Building upon this combat-proven legacy, the AASM Hammer XLR underscores France’s commitment to developing and fielding cutting-edge military technology. This long-range guided bomb will undoubtedly enhance the precision strike capabilities of the French Air and Space Force and will likely be a highly sought-after export product for nations seeking to modernise their aerial arsenals with advanced, high-safety munitions. Its introduction signals a new era for guided bombs, blending precision with unprecedented stand-off capacity.