By Grok Admin 
In India’s Operation Sindoor 2025, the Hammer Missile, also known as Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM), has gained notable spotlight visibility because of its use in the operation.
What Is A Hammer Missile?
The Hammer Missile or AASM Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a French-made missile designed by Safran Electronics & Defense. Rather than being a traditional missile, the AASM Hammer is a modular kit that converts ‘dumb’ bombs into smart, precision-guided munitions. It has a guidance section at the front while the rear has a tail bracket for range extension with additional rockets and winglets for improved maneuverability. Fitting the system to bombs can be achieved with the Mark 80 series and other 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, or 1,000 kg bombs.
The AASM Hammers has three variants based on the guidance system used:
SBU-38: All-weather accuracy (10-meter CEP) with GPS and Hybrid inertial navigation system (INS).
SBU-54: Improved precision (1-meter CEP) with Infrared homing.
SBU-64: Laser placed guidance alongside INS & GPS with the capability of striking moving targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Propelled by Hammer missiles, used by French forces in Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, and Syria, has showcased its prowess in both close air support and deep-strike missions. Hammer missiles are exceptionally precise and deadly, becoming incredibly dangerous in difficult regions such as mountains.
What is Hammer and SCALP?
Two high-tech French weapons installed in aircraft like the Dassault Rafale are SCALP and Hammer. SCALP-EG (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général), or better known as Storm Shadow in UK, is a stealth cruise missile with long-range capabilities which surpasses 500 kilometers. Moreover, it’s able to fly ultra low and take expensive terrain-following navigation, as well as using infrared terminal homing for highly accurate strikes on fixed targets, making it subsonic at Mach 0.8.
On the other hand, the Hammer missile is intended for precision hits on both stationary and mobile targets within a 70-km range. While SCALP is best suited for penetrating deep strikes on over-protected, high-value sites, the Hammer is better for tactical situations with quick-response modular structure and various guidance systems. In SCALP and Hammer operations, India showcased the use of both missiles from Rafale jets during the Operation Sindoor 2025 aimed to destroy terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, highlighting the advanced integration of both missiles in modern warfare.
What Missiles Are In Use By India?
The AASM Hammer missiles were integrated into India’s arsenal after the country received a fleet of Rafale fighter jets. The Indian Air Force (IAF) got a stock of Hammer missiles in 2020, and there was an emergency order in September of that year due to increasing tensions with China in Ladakh. The missiles were delivered by French stocks in November 2020. The IAF has also started the integration of Hammer into the indigenous Tejas fighter with the contract for local production and maintenance signed between Bharat Electronics and Safran Electronics & Defense on 11th February 2025.
India executed Operation Sindoor on 7th May, 2025 unleashing both the Hammer missile and SCALP-EG which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. This operation served as a counter for the Pahalgam attack that occurred on April 22, which resulted in 26 civilian casualties, using Rafale jets armed with sophisticated weapons – loitering munitions and missiles – to obliterate LeT and JeM outposts.
What is the Cost of a Hammer Missile?
The cost of the Hammer missile can change based on the rendition and the batch being produced. The French senate’s Comité des Prix de Revient des fabrications d’Armement (CPRA) claims that the AASM program’s total cost, which includes developing and delivering 2,348 kits, stands at €846 million. In contrast, it is estimated that the per-unit expense stands in the realm of €300,000 which is roughly ₹2.5 crore (based on current exchange rates), including the development cost. If we assume that the development outlay does not take place, the unit cost drops to around €164,000 which translates to approximately ₹1.5 crore.
There was a Quora post back in 2020 that mentioned the cost of the missile was ₹70 lakh each, however it had no official confirmation and likely ignored inflation and variant pricing. In comparison to the American JDAM, which is worth around $25,000 per kit due to bulk production (250,000 units), the Hammer missile has a whopping 12 times higher cost-per-unit. This additional cost is a result of relatively smaller production runs and increased sophistication of the Hammer missiles due to the inclusion of a rocket booster and numerous guidance systems.
The missile’s range is determined by where it is released and what version is used. The AASM Hammer can break the 43 miles (70 km) range mark if launched from high altitudes because of the rocket motor and winglets. The range decreases significantly to around 15 km (9 miles) from lower altitudes; however, this makes it useful in contested settings where the pilot must evade enemy air defenses. The unpowered JDAM-ER has a maximum range of 72 km, but like the Hammer, it requires release at high-altitude to achieve this, and its low-altitude range is significantly shorter.
While executing “Operation Sindoor,” the reach of the Hammer enabled Indian Rafale pilots to safely hit targets in Pakistan and PoK without the risk of engaging—even within range of the Pakistani air defenses. Reports suggest that Safran is working on an advanced version of the AASM Hammer which will have an operational range of 150-200 kilometers, further improving its standoff capabilities.
AASM Hammer vs JDAM
Comparing AASM Hammer and JDAM brings to light notable differences between the French and American precision-guided missiles. Both systems aim to transform simple bombs into sophisticated munitions, albeit with distinct approaches in design and functionality:
Propulsion: The AASM Hammer has a rocket booster which allows it to achieve ranges of 70 kilometers and better performance at lower altitudes. In contrast, the JDAM-ER is reliant on glide wings, limiting its low-altitude range to about 15 kilometers, even while relying on a downward trajectory to achieve a height of 72 kilometers.
Guidance: The Hammer can hit a moving target within a two-meter distance due to its three guidance capabilities—INS/GPS, infrared, and laser—while the baseline JDAM uses INS/GPS with a ten-meter CEP. However, newer variants do include laser guidance for moving targets.
Cost: Economies of scale have made the JDAM significantly cheaper at $25,000 per kit due to over 250,000 units being produced. With a unit cost of $300,000, the Hammer relies on advanced technology for a smaller production run of 2,348 kits, driving up the cost.
Operational Use: The versatility of The Hammer in rocket propulsion and guidance makes it perfect for dynamic use like in Operation Sindoor 2025. While the JDAM is still useful, it functions better against static targets in areas that are not contested much.
Due to its higher cost, it is harder to justify The Hammer’s spending for countries like India who prefer flexibility and precision due to The Hammer’s expensive cost and greater abilities.
AASM Hammer Missile and Operation Sindoor
The attack was predicated for the AASM Hammer missile, for it was at the center focus for the missile attack that was executed by India on May 07, 2025 to retaliate for the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation aimed at nine terror camps situated in Pakistan (Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Chak Amru) and PoK (Gulpur, Bhimber, Bagh, Kotli, Muzaffarabad). Indian Rafale jets armed with Hammer and SCALP-EG missiles carried out bolt actions to destroy precision strike over pillars of LeT and JeM bases. Defence Expert Brigadier Hemant Mahajan (Retd) estimates that 80-90 terrorosts were neutralized, but this number has never been verified.
India has developed maneuvering munitions with the Operation Sindoor Super 12 loitering munitions system, revealing a shift in India’s strategy towards counter-terrorist operations. The Hammer’s claimed operational range of up to 70 kilometers standoff distance, exceptional precision, and collateral damage ensured compliance with India’s self-proclaimed “non-escalatory” stance. Nevertheless, civilian casualties became a contested claim with Pakistan reporting eight deaths and 22 injuries while India refuted the claims stating only terror camps were targeted.
AASM Hammer 1000: The Heavyweight Variant
It is now available for deployment by the French Air Force, which started receiving the kit in 2023. The AASM Hammer 1000 has undergone guidance and warhead modifications that include giving it a bunker-busting capability and an increased strike radius through precision munitions, bunkering it as the most capable Hammer variant. In mid-2020, testing for the 1,000-kg variant began with inert separation trials from a Rafale followed by qualification firings spring 2023. Integration to the French Armed Forces was in 2023 and France incrementally gave the variant to the French Air Force after those year. It has a guidance unit based on the 250kg version of the hammer and a range-extending penetrator.
The AASM Hammer 1000 is optimal for penetrating concrete drills as it can effortlessly cut through reinforced concrete meters thick. In Operation Sindoor 2025, the specific variant used is not known. However, the Hammer 1000 is capable of destroying terror bases and would suit the purpose nicely. The integration of the AASMs to the Rafale jets gives the IAF enhanced strike capabilities. Each Rafale jet can carry up to three 1,000 kg AASMs. The usage of the Hammer 1000 is costly, meaning it will not be widely used. The assumption is the unit will cost over $300,000.
Critical Analysis: Effectiveness and Implications
The Hammer bombs proved to be effective during Operation Sindoor. This enabled and assisted India with the neutralization of the terror infrastructure with great precision, lowering the risk to the pilots. The range and guidance systems enabled strike from a defying range while dfiying the Pakistani air defenses. This is noted by Zee News. However, the aftermath of the operation: The retaliatory shelling from Pakistan which killed 10 Indian civilians and the unverified claims of casualties pose questions regarding escalation risks.
The cost of the Hammer raid is also significantly higher than the JDAM or Israeli SPICE that were used in the 2019 Balakot strikes. This raises questions regarding India and their procurement strategies, especially when taking into consideration the JDAM’s lower price and similar precision for static targets.
The Hammer missile is anticipated to be supplied to Ukraine (600 units in 2024), Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, and others, with production expected to rise to 1,200 in 2025. Its combat record in Libya where a Rafale used a Hammer to destroy a Libyan jet on the ground showcases it’s usefulness. Still, the obfuscation regarding the casualty figures in Operation Sindoor, alongside the symbolic naming of the operation suggests a cover sentiment strategy on Pak-dominated affairs while unpredictable intensification of tensions with Pakistan.
Conclusion
Precision warfare is increasingly relevant in contemporary clashes and counter-terror operations like Operation Sindoor, simultaneously underscoring the need for India’s strategic arms development. The Hammer missile or AASM Hammer, is dubbed a cornerstone of such warfare, due to its up to 70 km range, advanced guidance systems, modular design and lesser known but squat enduring greatly against JDAM at $300,000 per unit. While India is set to begin integrating the Hammer with the Tejas, careful diplomacy is needed on the escalation risks uncovered by Operation Sindoor.
FAQ: Addressing Key Questions About the Hammer Missile
1Q. What is a Hammer missile?
Answer. The Hammer missile (AASM Hammer) is a French munition that turns bombs into guided weapons. It has a rocket motor and high accuracy due to several multi-channel method of guidance systems.
2Q. What is Hammer and SCALP?
Answer. Hammer is a precision bomb with a 70 km range while SCALP is long range (500+ km) cruise missile. Both were used by India in Operation Sindoor.
3Q. Which missile is used by India?
Answer. India uses AASM Hammer missile during Operation Sindoor, mounted on Rafale jets and is also using it with the Tejas fighter.
4Q. What is the cost of a Hammer missile?
Answer. The Hammer missile costs approximately $300,000 each, including development costs, or €164,000 without, while incurring other expenses.
5Q. What is the Hammer missile range?
Answer. The range of the Hammer missile is more than 70 km from high altitude positions and 15 km from low altitude positions.
6Q. How does the AASM Hammer compare to JDAM?
Answer. The AASM Hammer has a rocket booster and better low-altitude range (15km) than the JDAM (72km max high- altitude only), but it’s 12 times more expensive ($300k vs $25k).
7Q. What part did the Hammer missile play during the Operation Sindoor campaign?
Answer. The Hammer missile was used in a missile strike and was fired during the operation. It aimed to target terror camps found in Pakistan and PoK, specifically targeting LeT and JeM bases with surgical strikes.
8Q. What is the AASM Hammer 1000?
Answer. The AASM Hammer 1000 is a 2023 specialized 1,000 kg version of the bunker buster that is enhanced in range and penetration.