France Presents AASM Hammer XLR Long-Range Guided Bomb

A new modernization of the AASM Hammer guided bomb kits, called AASM Hammer XLR, has increased the range by 2-3 times.

This is reported by Flight.

A new version of the AASM Hammer guided bomb kits was demonstrated by the French company Safran at this year’s Paris Air Show. The new weapon is called the AASM Hammer XLR, where the XLR prefix probably means “long-range”.

The main improvement concerns the engine. The new version of the AASM XLR now has a small turbojet engine in the rear, whereas the old version had a solid rocket booster.

According to the publication, this led to an increase in the maximum range from 70 kilometers to 150-200 kilometers when launched from a high altitude.

Like the basic version, the AASM XLR was demonstrated in two bomb sizes – 250 and 1000 kg and with a guidance section made in three versions: with INS/GPS navigation, as well as with additional laser guidance or with an infrared homing head.

The main advantage of the new version of the AASM kits is that the long flight range allows the bombs to be dropped beyond the range of enemy air defense, which significantly increases the safety of the aircraft.

In addition, it is likely that the use of a jet engine will allow the bomb to fly at low altitudes, which will make it difficult for enemy air defense systems to intercept the bomb itself.

It is worth noting that Safran has not yet officially announced this new modernization, so there is very little information about the new product. In particular, it is not known at what stage of development it is and on which aircraft it is planned to be integrated.

Back in 2023, Safran announced that it was developing a new engine kit that would significantly increase the range of the aircraft. According to Safran’s plan, the new engine was supposed to double or even triple the range to 150-200 km. However, no further details were disclosed.

The basic version of the AASM Hammer is integrated into Ukrainian MiG-29 fighters and Su-25 attack aircraft and has been successfully used to destroy Russian command posts, UAV operators’ positions, fortifications and manpower concentrations.

However, despite the fact that these bombs have demonstrated high accuracy and effectiveness, production of even the basic version remains low. Although in 2024, France exceeded its production plan for Hammer bombs by almost 40%. In absolute terms, only 830 units were produced, with a plan to increase production to 1,200 units per year.