France’s New AASM XLR Smart Bomb Doubles the Rafale Fighter’s Strike Range.

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Safran presents a major evolution of its modular air-to-ground weapon system with the A2SM XLR, an extended-range version of the well-established AASM Hammer, designed for integration on Rafale fighters upgraded to the F5 standard. This advanced version, showcased at the company’s booth, features two main configurations: the AASM XLR 250 and the AASM XLR 1000. Both are suited for stand-off missions, particularly for the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) and low-altitude penetration strikes.
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The development of the AASM XLR follows Safran’s ongoing efforts to increase the range and capabilities of an existing weapon system (Picture source: Armyrecognition)

The AASM XLR 250 is intended for medium-range missions, including engagements against surface-to-air defense systems at similar ranges. It is optimized for low-altitude penetration and general-purpose strikes launched from outside the threat envelope. This version is built around a modular assembly that includes an Mk82 bomb with a 40 kg warhead, an integrated turbojet engine, and a terminal guidance kit with dual-mode seekers. It is fully compatible with the Rafale, utilizing the aircraft’s targeting and communications systems.

The AASM XLR 1000, meanwhile, is designed for use against hardened structures from stand-off distances. It fulfills roles similar to those of the 250 variant but with a significantly larger warhead. The munition is based on either a BLU 109 or Mk-84 bomb and retains the modular structure of the AASM family. Integration with the Rafale remains comprehensive, and both variants use guidance technologies enabling precision strikes in degraded GNSS environments, including combinations of inertial navigation, GPS, infrared, or laser guidance depending on the version.

The development of the AASM XLR follows Safran’s ongoing efforts to increase the range and capabilities of an existing weapon system. This extension of the AASM line had already been anticipated at the Dubai Air Show 2023, where Safran Electronics & Defense displayed an improved version of the AASM HAMMER 1000. On that occasion, the manufacturer also announced a new propulsion kit under development, aimed at significantly increasing operational range. Depending on launch conditions, this future configuration could reach ranges between 150 and 200 kilometers.

Originally developed in the early 2000s by Sagem (now Safran Electronics & Defense), the AASM Hammer system is structured around the concept of a smart bomb equipped with a front-mounted guidance kit and a rear-mounted range extension module. It can be fitted with various bomb bodies, such as 250 kg Mk82s or 1,000 kg Mk84/BLU 109s. Terminal guidance options include INS/GPS, infrared seekers, or semi-active laser guidance, providing flexibility depending on mission requirements.

The AASM Hammer 250 is currently in service with the air forces of France, Morocco, Egypt, Qatar, India, and Croatia. In contrast, the more recent AASM Hammer 1000 is, for now, only fielded by the French Air and Space Force, integrated on Rafale fighters upgraded to the F4.1 standard. The United Arab Emirates, which is expected to begin receiving Rafale F4 aircraft from 2027, may also integrate this munition depending on future contracts.

The unveiling of the AASM XLR at the 2025 Paris Air Show comes at a time of continued development in Safran’s long-range modular weapon systems. As Rafale operators expand across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the AASM XLR could be adopted by additional users in the medium term. Built on a proven architecture and designed to extend operational capabilities, this munition reflects Safran’s current position in the field of smart air-launched weapons for multirole combat aircraft.