Modern warfare is as much about adapting old systems as it is about acquiring new ones.
Ukraine, faced with ongoing battles and limited resources, is proving that innovation can go a long way.
One of its latest moves has been to upgrade its fleet of Su-25 jets with AASM Hammer bombs, a French precision-guided weapon system that could make a real difference on the battlefield.
The Su-25, a compact and agile jet often seen in Ukrainian operations, has been a workhorse for ground-attack missions.
Capable of carrying over 4 tons of weaponry and reaching speeds of up to 950 km/h, it typically uses missiles like the Kh-23 and Kh-25M.
But now, equipped with the AASM Hammer, its capabilities are taking a major leap forward.
The AASM Hammer system transforms unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons. Using a modular design, it combines interchangeable guidance systems and a rocket booster for extended range.
Originally developed for French forces, the Hammer works with standard bombs like the Mk 82, Mk 83, and Mk 84, which weigh between 225 and 900 kilograms.
Its design is conceptually similar to the U.S.-made JDAM-ER but offers unique features.
Images of these upgraded Su-25s were recently analyzed by Ukrainian defense experts at Defence Express.
They noted similarities to the earlier adaptation of MiG-29 jets, which were also upgraded to use AASM Hammer bombs. However, details about the exact modifications to the Su-25’s onboard systems remain unclear.
It’s also uncertain how many Su-25s have been modified to carry the Hammer. Regardless, every upgraded jet represents a tactical advantage.
Russian Su-25s, for instance, lack comparable upgrades and rely on older systems, giving Ukraine’s air force a critical edge.
