Ukraine continues to make strategic use of its limited air force as the war against Russia stretches on.
While its fleet has been reduced, the country still operates a small number of F-16 fighter jets along with upgraded MiG-29s supplied by Poland and Slovakia.
These aircraft play different roles, with F-16s focused on air defense and MiG-29s used for ground strikes.
Ukrainian pilots rely on advanced Western weapons to maximize their effectiveness, according to WP.
Among them are the American GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) and the French AASM Hammer.
These precision-guided munitions allow Ukraine to target Russian command centers and other key infrastructure from safer distances.
A recently released video captures the moment a Ukrainian aircraft drops an AASM Hammer bomb on a suspected Russian command post.
Such locations are often placed several miles behind enemy lines, directing Russian infantry assaults on Ukrainian positions. The strike demonstrates how Ukraine uses its aircraft sparingly but effectively.
France’s Advanced Smart Bomb
Developed by the French defense company Safran, the AASM Hammer is a modified version of traditional bombs used by NATO forces.
It includes guidance systems and folding wings to extend its range.
Unlike the widely used American JDAM-ER, the Hammer also features a rocket booster, allowing it to hit targets over 15 miles away when launched using a specialized maneuver.
This capability is crucial for Ukrainian pilots, who must operate in airspace filled with Russian anti-air systems like the Pantsir-S1.
By striking from a safer distance, Ukraine can hit strategic targets without exposing its aircraft to immediate danger.
Versatile Guidance Options for Maximum Accuracy
The AASM Hammer comes with three different targeting systems, providing flexibility in various combat scenarios.
The standard version uses GPS and inertial navigation for accuracy within a few yards. While this is effective against stationary targets, it can be disrupted by electronic jamming.
For greater precision, Ukraine can deploy versions equipped with laser or infrared guidance. Laser-guided bombs require continuous targeting, often assisted by drones.
Infrared-guided versions, however, function as “fire-and-forget” weapons, autonomously tracking their targets after launch.
