Safran Ready to Localize AASM Hammer Production in Other European Countries

French company Safran is open to localizing the production of high-precision AASM Hammer air bombs in other European countries.

This was reported by Vincent Lamigeon, chief reporter for Challenges, citing Olivier Andries, Safran’s chief executive officer.

According to the journalist, Olivier Andries said that he is “completely open” to placing AASM assembly lines in European countries that place large orders for this weapon.

He also confirmed an order for AASM guided bombs by Norway for Ukraine. According to him, “several hundred” high-precision bombs will be delivered as part of this order.

It should be recalled that in November 2025, India and France signed an agreement on the joint production of AASM Hammer high-precision bombs. The agreement to establish a joint venture was officially signed on November 24 in New Delhi by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense.

The agreement formalizes a memorandum signed in Liutyi at the Aero India exhibition. The joint venture will be a privately owned company with equal shares and will be based in India.

The venture’s mission is to manufacture, adapt, and provide operational support for AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs for the Indian Air Force and Navy, with a gradual increase in localization to nearly 60%.

AASM Hammer

AASM is a modular kit that is installed on conventional free-fall bombs. The kit consists of a front section with a guidance system and a rear section with an accelerator designed to increase the flight range.

There are two types of kits: Hammer-250 for 227 kg Mk.82 bombs and Hammer-1000 for 908 kg Mk.84 bombs. The maximum range is from 15 km when used from low altitudes to 70 km when launched from high altitudes.

In June 2025, Safran presented a new modification with increased range at the Paris Air Show — AASM Hammer XLR.

AASM Hammer XLR 250 bombs. Photo credits: Flight

The new version of the AASM XLR has a small turbojet engine installed in the rear, while the previous version used a solid-fuel rocket booster.

It is claimed that this has increased the maximum range from 70 kilometers to 150-200 kilometers when launched from high altitude. In addition to simply increasing the flight range, the use of a jet engine will likely allow the bomb to fly at low altitudes, making it more difficult for enemy air defense systems to intercept.