At MSPO 2025 in Kielce, French defense manufacturer Safran took center stage by exhibiting its Hammer 250 XLR precision-guided munition inside the Polish Armed Forces’ hall. This was more than just a technical demonstration — it symbolized Safran’s ambition to forge new partnerships in Eastern Europe and integrate French strike capabilities into Poland’s future air power.
The Hammer 250 XLR is a rocket-assisted, precision-guided bomb with a range exceeding 50 km. Designed as part of the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range program, it converts standard unguided bombs into stand-off weapons capable of engaging stationary or moving targets from beyond enemy air defenses. The weapon features three modular guidance options — INS/GPS, laser, and infrared — allowing it to function even in GPS-denied environments.
Safran emphasizes the Hammer’s adaptability. The system is compatible with a wide range of combat aircraft, including Poland’s newly acquired FA-50 light fighters. Its modular approach allows forces to select warheads and guidance kits to match mission requirements, providing a cost-efficient and scalable solution for European air forces.
The Hammer 250 XLR offers a crucial stand-off strike capability, allowing pilots to hit defended targets without entering hostile airspace. Its reported accuracy of about five meters minimizes collateral damage while maximizing mission effectiveness, a key demand in modern operations.
By displaying the Hammer in the Polish industry pavilion, Safran is sending a clear political message: France seeks to be a long-term partner in Poland’s rearmament efforts. This move highlights Paris’ intent to expand its defense industrial footprint in Central and Eastern Europe and to position Hammer 250 XLR as a candidate for Poland’s precision-strike arsenal, increasing NATO interoperability and diversifying supply chains beyond U.S. and Korean systems.
