France and Norway have finalized a €500 million agreement to finance, produce, and deliver AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs to Ukraine, significantly enhancing the country’s air-to-ground strike capabilities. The deal, signed on February 12, 2026, allocates €443 million in funding from Norway and a €316 million guaranteed loan from France, with plans to supply over 1,000 bombs throughout the year.

The AASM Hammer is a modular guidance kit that converts standard unguided bombs into GPS/INS-guided munitions, capable of striking targets up to 70 kilometers away. This technology allows Ukrainian aircraft, particularly MiG-29s, to conduct precise strikes against Russian positions, minimizing collateral damage while maximizing operational effectiveness. Previous deployments in 2024 demonstrated the system’s effectiveness, including video evidence of successful destruction of Russian targets during combat operations.

French and Norwegian officials described the agreement as a key element in strengthening Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities amid ongoing regional conflict. The arrangement combines financing, production, and logistical support, ensuring a steady supply of advanced munitions and reinforcing European commitment to Ukraine’s security.

For Ukraine, the delivery of over 1,000 AASM Hammers represents a substantial increase in long-range precision strike capacity. The bombs enable more flexible targeting options, improved accuracy, and enhanced operational planning, allowing Ukrainian forces to engage in complex air campaigns with higher confidence and reduced risk to civilian populations.

The pact also signals deeper military-industrial cooperation between France and Norway, leveraging combined expertise and financial resources to meet urgent operational needs. Beyond immediate battlefield implications, the deal reinforces strategic European support for Ukraine, showcasing a coordinated effort to sustain and advance the country’s combat readiness in the face of persistent threats.

By deploying these advanced munitions, Ukraine can conduct targeted strikes with improved accuracy, reinforcing deterrence and operational effectiveness. The deal is expected to have both immediate tactical impact and long-term strategic significance, bolstering the country’s ability to defend its territory while demonstrating sustained Western support amid the ongoing conflict.