Sagem’s Smart AASM Now Laser-Qualified | Aviation International News

Sagem’s Smart AASM Now Laser-Qualified

The three versions of the Sagem AASM air-ground weapon are seen in this line-up, with (left to right) GPS/INS, IR and laser guidance. (Photo: Sagem)

By Chris Pocock • Defense Correspondent

May 24, 2013

The laser-guided version of the Sagem AASM (armament air-sol modulaire) air-launched “smart” weapon was qualified last month by the French air armaments agency (DGA) at the Cazaux flight-test center, and will soon enter service in France with operational squadrons of Rafale combat aircraft. It is intended primarily for use against mobile targets. Meanwhile, the French air force has revealed details of recent attack missions over Mali when up to 12 INS/GPS-guided versions of the AASM were salvo-fired within one minute against preplanned targets, to achieve maximum surprise. The weapon was previously fired over Afghanistan and Libya.

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