Russian soldiers' close call with Ukraine's stealthy French missile
Recently, footage captured by Russian soldiers emerged online, depicting a missile launched by the Ukrainian armed forces as it approached their base. The soldiers, standing in close formation, faced the incoming missile, though the video makes it challenging to identify the missile type. Speculation leans towards the AASM Hammer, a weapon worth delving into for its capabilities.
9:08 AM EDT, April 3, 2024
Russian internet users are debating whether the missile in question is either the French air-dropped AASM-250 Hammer bomb or the American GBU-39D SDB, as reported on Defence Blog. Despite these theories, some argue against these specific munitions in the attack, pointing out a lack of visual similarities. This suggests that the defenders might be utilizing a weapon previously unseen on the battlefield.
French bombs in Ukraine
It's significant to note that Ukraine has had French Hammer bombs since early March, marking the first documented instance of its use. In the weeks that followed, Ukrainian sources consistently shared images demonstrating the munition's integration into their arsenal—showcased on aircraft mounts—indicating regular assaults on Russian positions with Hammers.
Given this background, the likelihood that the recorded missile was a Hammer is considerable. Yet, it's crucial to remember that the AASM can easily be confused with an American JDAM/ER bomb during flight due to the high descent speed, complicating precise identification.
So, how does the French Hammer compare to the American JDAM? Their similarity lies in the modification both can undergo to fit standard Mk 82/83/84 bombs, which weigh roughly 500, 1,000, and 2,000 pounds. The key difference is the AASM Hammer's unique addition of a guidance head, deployable wings (like the JDAM), and, critically, a rocket engine.
This innovation enables the deployment of the French weapon under almost any condition, including low-altitude flight, extending its range to 9 miles. Consequently, the Hammer can strike nearly undetected enemy positions, benefiting from the radar horizon phenomenon shielding it from anti-aircraft defence radar detection.
Moreover, the AASM can accommodate various guidance heads. Its basic model employs a mix of inertial and satellite navigation, representing the least precise variant with shooting accuracy estimated at several meters. The alternative models, featuring laser guidance, achieve significantly greater accuracy, narrowing to about one yard.
