French Navy Horizon-class Destroyer Forbin (D620) successfully shot down an AASM Hammer IIR-guided bomb targeting a representation of Mistral LHD at a test.
Naval News reported that the French Navy’s Forbin AAW destroyer scored a hit on the AASM Hammer glide munition with low RCS and no RF emission. Another important parameter is the fact that the AASM Hammer, fitted with an IIR seeker, was aimed at a target representing a Mistral-class LHD.
The test aimed at measuring the performance of the PAAMS system in Reflex Action Mode against threats of low signature and high speed in a fleet defence scenario.
Reflex Action Mode is a feature of the PAAMS combat system installed onboard Aster-armed warships. Automatising the majority of detection, identification, tracking, and engagement, Reflex Action Mode has minimal human input.
The Aster 30 missile used in the test is the long-range air defence missile fielded by French Navy frigates. The missile with a proportionally large booster stage and PIF-PAF control system, combining aerodynamic and thruster elements, can engage air-breathing targets and short-range ballistic missiles up to a range of 120 km.
AASM Hammer is France’s main guidance kit with optional rocket assist for general-purpose bombs with a wide variety of guidance options. Depending on requirements, IIR or laser seekers can be utilised in addition to a conformal rocket motor for extended range.
Horizon-class Destroyer
Horizon-class destroyers are the predecessors to the FREMM family of frigates in service with the French and Italian navies as a joint development. The frigates are equipped with two main search radars, C-band EMPAR as the multi-function radar and the L-band S1850M radar for long-range scanning. Armament consists of 48 Sylver VLS cells, eight anti-ship missiles, and two/three 76 mm naval guns.
