UKS in aerial combat: French AASM hammer bombs strike hard
Ukrainian aviation continues to launch attacks on Russian frontline command centers, with French AASM Hammer air-to-ground bombs, dropped by MiG-29 aircraft, playing a crucial role. We examine the effectiveness of this potent combination.
Despite having limited aviation capabilities, Ukraine strives to maximize the efficiency of its aircraft. Currently, it operates a limited number of F-16 aircraft and remnants of the MiG-29 fleet, enhanced by contributions from Poland and Slovakia.
The F-16s are primarily deployed for air defense missions, while MiG-29 aircraft are used in ground strike operations. They typically use American GBU-39 SDB bombs or French AASM Hammer bombs for high-risk missions due to their specialized features.
The following captures the release and impact of a bomb on a building believed to be a Russian command point, which directs attacks on Ukrainian positions. Such targets are typically located a few to 6 miles from the frontlines.
AASM Hammer bomb - JDAM-ER with a French twist
The French have a history of designing weapons that differ from those of other nations, reflecting the unique needs of their armed forces. The guided AASM Hammer bombs, developed by Safran, are no exception. Along with the standard guidance module with foldable wings for Mk 82, 83, or 84 bombs, which weigh approximately 500, 1000, and 2000 pounds respectively, they incorporated a rocket engine.
The French aimed to create weapons with a range exceeding 6 miles and significant force for Rafale aircraft, allowing them to target structures during low-altitude flights. This strategy enables aircraft with limited stealth capabilities to effectively strike heavily defended targets by exploiting the radar horizon, which limits ground radar detection to about 25 miles for low-flying objects.
The AASM Hammer bomb, equipped with a rocket booster and deployed using the TOSS maneuver—where the aircraft climbs sharply before releasing the bomb and then descends—can hit targets up to 9 miles away. This distance is unachievable for regular JDAM-ER and similar bombs, permitting aircraft to attack targets shielded by systems like the Pantsir-S1 from a safe distance, a strategy Ukraine leverages fully.
Three guidance options — precise targeting in any conditions
The AASM Hammer bombs come in three guidance versions, providing significant operational flexibility. The foundation is the INS and GPS guidance module, offering precision within a few yards, although jamming can affect accuracy. This isn't an issue with a 2000-pound bomb but can be with a 500-pound one.
The other two guidance methods, however, guarantee pinpoint accuracy even against moving targets. One option includes a laser-guided warhead, which requires the aircraft or an assisting drone to keep the target illuminated with a laser beam until impact.
The most advanced and costly choice is the optoelectronic warhead, which detects the thermal image of the target. The onboard system checks if it matches the preloaded data. If it aligns, the bomb independently homes in on and engages the target, allowing the pilot to be far removed from the scene. This "fire and forget" technology is a recent addition to Ukrainian aviation's arsenal.
