France Steps Up AASM Hammer Bomb Production to Strengthen Ukraine's Military Capabilities
France is set to significantly increase the production of its AASM Hammer guided bombs in 2025, providing enhanced firepower to Ukraine as the war with Russia continues. This year, the country plans to manufacture 1,200 units, up from 830 in 2024.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Le Parisien.
Developed by French defense contractor Safran, the AASM Hammer has proven to be highly effective for Ukraine’s Air Force due to its accuracy and resilience against Russian electronic warfare systems. The weapon’s integration into Ukraine’s Soviet-era MiG and Su aircraft was reportedly completed by Safran within just four months in late 2023. French officials noted this rapid deployment was prompted by the underperformance of U.S.-supplied JDAM bombs in battlefield conditions.
Safran CEO Franck Saudo emphasized that the Hammer’s GPS-guided technology is specifically designed to withstand jamming, a persistent challenge in Ukraine's combat zones. The French Defense Ministry confirmed that these bombs are fully compatible with Ukraine’s existing aircraft, expanding the country's capability for precision airstrikes.
Currently, France supplies around 50 AASM bombs to Ukraine each month. Originally introduced into the French military in 2008 for use on Dassault Rafale jets, the weapon has since been adapted for other aircraft, including the Mirage 2000 and the U.S.-made F-16.
This development comes as part of broader French military activity along NATO’s eastern flank. In April 2025, France launched “PEGASE 25,” a strategic air deployment involving a dozen aircraft across Sweden, Poland, and Croatia demonstrating its commitment to NATO deterrence in the face of continued Russian aggression.
The increased production and delivery of smart munitions underline France’s evolving role as a key military partner for Ukraine, amid growing international efforts to sustain Kyiv’s defensive capabilities.
As The Gaze reported earlier, France and Poland are set to sign a new bilateral defense treaty, marking a significant expansion of military and strategic ties between the two countries amid growing European anxieties over Vladimir Putin’s aggression.