France Exceeds Hammer Bomb Production Target for Ukraine by Nearly 40%

France exceeded its 2024 production target for AASM Hammer precision-guidance kits by nearly 40%, Le Parisien reported.

According to the original plan the French Defense Minister outlined in March 2024, the country’s defense industry was to produce 600 AASM kits for converting standard free-fall bombs into precision-guided munitions.

This number matched the commitment France made to supply high-precision bombs to Ukraine throughout the year.

However, Le Parisien reported that 830 kits were ultimately produced.

For 2025, the current production target is 1,200 units — double the original 2024 goal. Given the recent trend, this target may also be exceeded.

The French industry outlet L’Usine Nouvelle reported that increased demand and new investment have allowed the manufacturer to quadruple production in recent years. The company said it could double output again, depending on future orders.

Safran, the defense contractor responsible for the kits, has invested €25 million in expanding production capacity since 2022. Still, the assembly line remains relatively small, with about 50 workers involved in producing the AASM Hammer at the Montluçon facility.

AASM Hammer

AASM is a guidance kit designed to convert standard free-fall bombs into precision-guided weapons, similar in concept to the U.S. JDAM and JDAM-ER kits.

What sets the French system apart is its integrated rocket motor, which significantly extends the bomb’s range.

Depending on the altitude at which it is released, the AASM can strike targets from 15 km at low altitudes to up to 70 km from high-altitude launches.

There are two main types: the Hammer-250 for the 227 kg Mk.82 bomb and the Hammer-1000 for the 908 kg Mk.84.

Testing of the heavier version was expected to conclude by the end of 2024.