Ukrainian Forces Launch Airstrikes on Invader Positions in Zaporizhia Region

Ukrainian tactical aviation has launched a series of airstrikes in the southern sector, targeting Russian artillery, a special forces assault group, and an ammunition depot.

The Southern Defense Forces published a video showing three airstrikes, along with drone strikes on enemy infantry and equipment in Russian-occupied areas of the Zaporizhia region.

During the first airstrike near the village of Peremozhne, Zaporizhia region, a precision-guided aerial bomb destroyed a long-range towed 152-mm 2A36 Giatsint-B gun.

A second bomb hit a nearby field fortification where the gun crew had taken cover.

In the second airstrike, two bombs, likely French AASM HAMMERs, hit a group of Russian troops from the 22nd Separate Guards Special Purpose Brigade gathering in a house near the village of Myrne.

The third strike targeted a field ammunition depot hidden in a forested area near the village of Zherebyanky.

The video also captures a drone equipped with a thermite incendiary charge setting fire to a shelter containing a 57-mm AZP-57 anti-aircraft gun.

AASM (HAMMER)

The AASM is a French upgrade kit for unguided bombs, similar to the American JDAM. It includes a guidance system and aerodynamic surfaces. Unlike JDAM, the French version features a small solid-fuel rocket motor to extend range.

Depending on the launch altitude, the AASM’s range varies from 15 km at low altitude to up to 70 km at high altitude.
France fields two AASM versions: the Hammer-250 for Mk. 82 bombs (227 kg) and the Hammer-1000 for Mk. 84 bombs (908 kg).

The guidance system can be configured in three versions: inertial navigation with GPS correction, inertial navigation with infrared homing, or inertial navigation with laser guidance.

The Ukrainian Air Force has been using 227-kg AASM bombs since early 2024, with the first publicly reported use during the battles for Avdiivka in March 2024.