France to Equip Rafale Jets With Hammer XLR by 2028
The new long-range missile variant is designed to enhance suppression and destruction capabilities against enemy air defenses.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Military
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France plans to integrate the advanced Hammer XLR missile variant into its Rafale fighter fleet by 2028. The new model utilizes a turbojet engine to provide extended range and increased standoff distance for tactical strikes.
Why it matters
The Hammer XLR variant is specifically engineered to suppress and destroy enemy air defense systems. By transitioning from a solid-fuel rocket to a turbojet, the system allows aircraft to release munitions from greater distances, reducing exposure to threats.
The Hammer XLR variant replaces the standard solid-fuel rocket motor with a turbojet engine to achieve greater range. This development follows France retiring its legacy AS-37 Martel anti-radiation missile in the 1990s.
The players
Safran
This French multinational company specializes in aerospace and defense technologies, including the development of the Hammer weapon system.
Bharat Electronics Limited
This Indian state-owned aerospace and defense electronics company recently partnered with French firms to localize missile production.
Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation
This agency is responsible for the research and development of technology for the Indian Armed Forces, including anti-radiation missiles.
The details
The Hammer weapon system utilizes a modular design that combines a guidance system, warhead, and range-extension kit onto conventional bomb bodies. This design allows for effective target engagement without requiring the aircraft to overfly the location directly.
Timeline
France retired the AS-37 Martel anti-radiation missile in the 1990s.
India conducted flight tests of the Rudram-I missile in October 2020.
Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran signed a joint venture to produce Hammer missiles in February 2026.
India flight-tested the Rudram-II missile in June 2026.
The Hammer XLR variant is expected to enter operational service by 2028.
Political Context
The development of the Hammer XLR variant builds upon the 2020 Hammer selection by India, extending the reach of existing French-made munitions. This move reflects a broader trend of integrating advanced standoff capabilities to counter modern air defense networks.
This technological upgrade improves the operational effectiveness of the Rafale jet platform for international partners. Countries utilizing French defense equipment may eventually gain access to these long-range strike capabilities to enhance their own national security posture.
The takeaway
The move to turbojet-powered munitions highlights an industry-wide pivot toward longer standoff ranges in strike warfare. Nations relying on existing missile platforms should monitor the 2028 deployment to assess potential upgrades to their current inventory.
What happens next
The Hammer XLR variant is scheduled to reach operational service by 2028.
Further reading
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