March 23, 2026
The new LIR seeker for the AASM Hammer combines four guidance modes and will also be used in France’s analogue of the GMLRS ER precision rocket
Developed by Safran, the new combined LIR seeker for the long-range precision AASM Hammer guided bomb has successfully completed testing and has been qualified by the French defense procurement agency Direction générale de l’armement (DGA).
The trials concluded with three successful AASM Hammer strikes within 24 hours. The achievement was announced by Safran, as reported by Opex360, which also noted that the new seeker will be integrated into an updated version of the AASM Hammer entering service next year.
The LIR seeker is a combined guidance system that integrates semi-active laser and infrared imaging homing, along with standard satellite navigation and inertial guidance.
This makes LIR the fourth seeker option for the AASM Hammer, effectively consolidating all primary guidance methods into a single system. The baseline SBU-38 module relies solely on inertial and satellite guidance, limiting it to engaging stationary targets.
Subsequent variants include the SBU-54, which adds an infrared imaging seeker, and the SBU-64, which incorporates laser guidance alongside inertial and satellite navigation. With the introduction of the LIR seeker, operators can select from multiple guidance modes, significantly increasing operational flexibility.
Safran also confirmed that this seeker will be used in the Thundart precision surface-to-surface missile, a French analogue to the GMLRS ER, being developed jointly by Safran and MBDA. The system is expected to have a range of up to 150 km.
From the perspective of Defense Express, any improvements to the AASM Hammer are particularly important for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian Air Force actively employs these French munitions in strikes against russian forces. It is also likely that, if Paris chooses, some French solutions could be further refined under real combat conditions.
At the same time, one of the most anticipated upgrades is the AASM Hammer XLR variant, which is expected to extend the range to 150–200 km thanks to a compact turbojet engine developed by Safran Power Units.
These Hammer bombs have been a valuable asset for Ukraine’s effort to turn cockroaches into mush and their equipment into scrambled junk.