Ukraine's Air Force releases rare footage of French-supplied AASM Hammer bombs being deployed

The Air Force of Ukraine has released footage of French-supplied AASM Hammer guided bombs being deployed against the Russians. The munitions were launched by Oleksandr Myhulia, a pilot from the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade of Air Command Centre who was killed in action on 12 August 2024.

Source: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, a former spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, posted some of his correspondence with the late pilot.

Quote: "‘Let's post the ‘gifts’ I sent the orcs [Russians] now, in honour of the Air Force!’

‘Shots like those are rare, pal. Let's keep them until Aviation Day [31 August 2024]. Just a few weeks left.’

Sadly, these were the last messages I exchanged with Oleksandr Myhulia on 4 August...

I’m posting this footage of French AASM Hammer guided bombs being deployed, filmed by the Ukrainian pilot, earlier than planned, in memory of Oleksandr. He was killed in action on 12 August 2024."

Details: Ihnat emphasised that the tactics involved in launching American anti-radar AGM-88 HARM missiles, GBU-62 JDAM-ER guided bombs or French-made AASM Hammer guided bombs are extremely risky for pilots.

To complete their combat mission, the Ukrainian pilots have to get close to Russian air defence systems and fighter jets and use sophisticated tactical moves.

"Because of all these risks – enemy missiles and the difficulty of performing tasks on old Soviet equipment – we sometimes suffer heartbreaking losses," Ihnat said.

Ihnat added that Captain Oleksandr Myhulia was one of the best; he was a flight commander in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade of Air Command Centre who completed more than 160 combat missions and was awarded the Order of Courage, 3rd and 2nd classes.

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