Ukrainian MiG-29 Hits Russian Military Target in Belgorod Region with French AASM Bomb

Ukrainian forces used a MiG-29 fighter jet to strike a building housing Russian troops in the border village of Kozinka in Russia’s Belgorod region.

The Sunflower Telegram channel, linked with Ukrainian aviation, published the video of the incident.

“The hunt for Russian conscripts and border guards continues,” the post accompanying the video said.

Footage released by the channel showed the bomb hitting the structure, reportedly destroying several floors.

A Ukrainian reconnaissance drone captured the aftermath of the strike.

High accuracy was achieved due to the use of a French-made AASM Hammer precision-guided bomb.

Unlike the U.S.-made JDAM kits, the AASM includes a built-in rocket motor, allowing for extended range — up to 15 km when launched from low altitudes, and up to 70 km from high altitudes.

There are two primary versions: the Hammer-250 for 227 kg Mk.82 bombs, and the Hammer-1000 for 908 kg Mk.84 bombs. Testing of the heavier version was expected to conclude by the end of 2024.

In just four months, French defense company Safran adapted the AASM Hammer for use with Soviet-designed Ukrainian aircraft, including the MiG-29 and Su-25. Since 2023, France has delivered several hundred of these kits to Ukraine.

In 2024, France exceeded its production target for AASM kits, manufacturing 830 units — nearly 40% above plan.

According to Safran, this represents a fourfold increase compared to 2022, which also stated plans to further double output in response to demand.

More technical details about the AASM Hammer system are available in the special report, “The French Hammer: Modified AASM Family Air Bombs.” (in Ukrainian)