France looks to give Rafale anti-radar punch with new Hammer variant
France is developing a new variant of the AASM Hammer precision-guided weapon, the Hammer XLR, to provide Rafale fighters with anti-radar capabilities. This development is significant for the Indian Air Force, which already utilizes the standard Hammer and may benefit from the enhanced mission capabilities of the new version.
Why it matters
The upgrade addresses a strategic gap in air defense suppression and reflects the evolving military cooperation and equipment standards between France and India.
France is looking to equip its Rafale fighters with a new variant of the AASM Hammer precision-guided weapon, to fill a long-standing gap in its ability to suppress and destroy enemy air defences, according to reports. The proposed Hammer XLR uses a miniature turbojet engine instead of the solid-fuel rocket motor on existing variants, which could give French aircraft an extended-range option for striking targets in heavily defended airspace. General Jérôme Bellanger, chief of staff of the French Air and Space Force, highlighted the weapon's potential while testifying to the National Assembly on October 14, according to the French defence website Opex360.
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