Greeks to adopt Hammer
The Hellenic Air Force is to become the latest export operator of the AASM Hammer precision-guided missile (PGM), made by French company Safran.
Hammer is likely to arm Rafale multirole aircraft that were recently ordered by Greece.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, AASM Hammer has already been sold to the air forces of Egypt and Qatar (to arm Rafale) and Morocco (for installation on Mirage aircraft).
The triple-mode (INS/GPS, INS/GPS/IR and INS/GPS/laser) PGM comprises a guidance kit and a range extension kit fitted on a standard bomb body of the Mk80 series or similar. This bomb body may be general purpose (Mk82, BLU-111) or penetration (BANG).
The AASM's modularity allows it to be used on 125, 250, 500 and 1000kg bomb bodies. Its engine provides it with range greater than 50km, meaning it can be fired at a standoff distance. Autonomous after it has been dropped, it can be used at low altitudes, cross hilly terrain or veer sharply from the firing aircraft.
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