The Rafale F4, flagship of French military aviation, has taken a crucial step in strengthening its offensive capabilities thanks to the upcoming integration of the 1,000 kg AASM bomb, developed by Safran Electronics & Defense under the name Hammer . This optimized version of the AASM constitutes a major advance, allowing the Rafale F4 to destroy targets with extreme precision, whatever the weather conditions, and from a secure distance. Already tested with 250 kg bombs, this new standard now adapts the AASM to heavy munitions such as the Mk84, the BLU-109 “Bunker Buster”, as well as the French BA84 and P1000 bombs, developed in partnership with the groups Aresia and Eurenco. This advanced capability, planned to become operational in 2025, could have important strategic implications for Morocco, the main operator of the Rafale in Africa.
Strategic potential for Morocco
As a potential future buyer of Rafale fighters, according to media indiscretions, Morocco could take advantage of the technological advances offered by this new version of the AASM to strengthen its strike capabilities in complex operational contexts. Adapting this precision munition to modern theaters provides a significant advantage in deterrence and power projection, while minimizing collateral damage.
The AASM 1000 is now on track to reach its full operational capability by the end of 2024. The Rafale F4 will be able to carry up to three of these bombs: one in a central ventral position and two under the wings, with strike options. varied, such as surface detonation or deep penetration after impact. These capabilities perfectly meet the strategic needs of modern theaters of operations, particularly in heavily defended environments or in precision strike missions.
The Air-to-Ground Modular Weapon (AASM), also known as Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range), is a guided air-to-ground munition developed by Safran to meet the requirements of the French armed forces. Its concept is based on adding guidance and propulsion kits to existing smoothbore bombs, such as the Mk82 (250 kg), Mk83 (500 kg) and Mk84 (1,000 kg). These kits, combining various guidance systems (inertial, GPS, laser or infrared), allow exceptional precision and an extended range of up to 70 km depending on the drop altitude. This tactical flexibility, combined with a strike capability outside high-risk areas, represents a considerable asset for armies operating in delicate security contexts.
Morocco, engaged in a process of modernizing its armed forces, could benefit from the integration of the AASM 1000 if it relies on the Rafale in the future. This capacity would offer an adapted response to current national security challenges, particularly in the context of the fight against transnational threats and the protection of territorial integrity. The acquisition of such munitions, combined with the versatility of the Rafale, would significantly strengthen the dissuasive and operational capabilities of the Royal Air Forces.
