US Army receives first delivery of long-range Precision Strike Missile

News, US December 11, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

The U.S. Army has announced the initial delivery of the next-generation long-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which is set to replace the U.S. Army’s three-decades-old long-range missile system.

Designed and produced by the U.S.-based defense giant, Lockheed Martin, the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) can fly farther than 400 kilometers, providing a significant improvement in strike range compared to its predecessor. PrSM is set to replace the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which have been in service with the U.S. Army for over three decades.

“The delivery of the Precision Strike Missile Increment 1 Early Operational Capability missiles follows successful production qualification testing in November at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico,” the U.S. Army statement said.

During the tests at the White Sands Missile Range, the U.S. Army fired one PrSM from a HIMARS launcher to successfully hit a target. The missile was fired at the shortest distance flown to date and demonstrated the system’s accuracy from launch to impact.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Doug Bush said in the statement that “The Precision Strike Missile will provide Joint Force commanders with a 24/7, all-weather capability that will counter the enemy’s ability to conduct combat maneuver and air defense operations.”

“The rapid development and delivery of this capability is a prime example of the Army’s aggressive use of new acquisition authorities from Congress that allows us to move at much greater speed to get improved equipment to Soldiers,” he added.

US Army Precision Strike Missile — The U.S. Army’s new Precision Strike Missile achieved its anticipated delivery milestone following a successful production qualification flight test. (Image Credit: U.S. Army)

The exact quantity of the first batch has not been disclosed by the U.S. Army. It is expected that the first batch of long-range missiles will be used to test its operational capabilities. It also remains uncertain when these missiles will be deployed beyond further testing.

US Army’s PrSM program

The development of PrSM comes under the U.S. Army its Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) program which was initiated in 2018. The program is one of the six prioritized military modernization initiatives that aim to enhance the U.S. Army’s long-range strike capabilities.

Initially, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin were competing to build prototypes for the PrSM. Lockheed Martin’s design was finalized for further development.

PrSM Specifications

The missile ranges from 60 to 400+ kilometers
Open systems architecture
Modular and easily adaptable
IM energetic payload
Compatible with MLRS M270 and HIMARS family of launchers

The U.S. Army’s existing long-range missile system, ATACMS, was designed in the 1970s and built in the 1980s. It is capable of flying only a range of about 300 kilometers. Deployment of PrSM would significantly enhance the U.S. military’s long-range strike capabilities.