Ukrainian Su-27S fighter drops AASM-250 Hammer bomb

Recent online activity reveals a clip showcasing a Ukrainian fighter jet releasing a French-guided air bomb, AASM-250, from its left launcher mid-flight. A detailed examination of the provided footage reveals a second identical ammunition under the aircraft’s right wing.  

You might recall the initial confirmed usage of this specific type of aerial munition was reported on March 5, 2024. At that time, a revealing video was released showing a marked AASM-250 bomb with the chilling inscription, “For the children of Odessa. With hate, no respect.”  

The initial evidence suggesting the usage of these air bombs originated around the end of February and early March 2024. Specifically, the Lultwaffe’s division posted a video identifying the exact type of munition used in an attack on Russian forces at the Avdiiv Coke Chemical Plant. 

The French Hammer

The AASM-250 Hammer [Armement Air-Sol Modulaire] is a French precision-guided munition developed by Safran Electronics & Defense. It’s designed to be launched from a variety of aircraft platforms and can engage both stationary and moving targets with high precision. The AASM-250 Hammer is a modular weapon, indicating it can be configured with various types of guidance and warhead modules to suit specific mission needs. The standard setup includes a 250 kg [550 lb] warhead, but it can also accommodate smaller or larger warheads depending on the target. 

Let’s take a look at the AASM-250 Hammer’s dimensions. It measures approximately 3 meters [9.8 feet] in length, with a diameter of 0.2 meters [0.65 feet]. It wingspan is 0.9 meters [2.95 feet]. Despite its compact size, the Hammer delivers a substantial payload. The navigation system of the AASM-250 Hammer utilizes a mix of INS/GPS for mid-course direction and either infrared homing or laser guidance for the terminal phase. This advanced navigation setup enables the weapon to maintain high accuracy, with a reported Circular Error Probable [CEP] of less than 10 meters. 

The warhead of the AASM-250 Hammer is a blast-fragmentation type, optimized to inflict maximum damage over a wide area. The weapon is also equipped with a programmable fuze, permitting the timing of the detonation to be adjusted for the most effective impact.

2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

On February 21, 2022, Russia stated that its border facility was attacked by Ukrainian forces, resulting in the deaths of five Ukrainian fighters. However, Ukraine quickly dismissed these allegations, labeling them as ‘false flags’.

In a notable move on the same day, Russia announced it officially recognized the self-proclaimed areas of DPR and LPR. Interestingly, according to Russian President Putin, this recognition covered all the Ukrainian regions. Following this declaration, Putin sent a battalion of Russia’s military forces, tanks included, into these areas.

Fast forward to February 24, 2022, global headlines were dominated by a significant incident. Putin commanded a forceful military assault on Ukraine. Led by Russia’s impressive Armed Forces positioned at the Ukrainian border, this assault wasn’t spontaneous but a premeditated action. Despite the circumstances resembling a war, the Russian government refrains from using this term. They’d rather refer to it as a “special military operation”.

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