In a first, the U.S. Army, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, conducted a salvo test shot of two new Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) as part of production qualification flight testing at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. This test was announced by Lockheed Martin.
The test demonstrated the PrSM’s capability to be fired sequentially from the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher. This aligns with Army doctrine, which stipulates that two missiles should be fired at a target to ensure the effective hitting of incoming threat targets.
Additionally, for the first time, an operator was present in the HIMARS cab during the test to validate soldier safety requirements during missile firing. The two missiles engaged in mid-range flight against a target set successfully showcased their “accuracy and readiness,” according to Lockheed Martin.
The first delivery of PrSMs to the Army occurred in December 2023, marking a transition from the legacy Army Tactical Missile System. The PrSM can be launched from both HIMARS and the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System, critical components as the Army seeks deep-strike capabilities to counter advancements in Russian and Chinese technologies. U.S. commanders in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific regions are eager to utilize this capability, which has a standoff range exceeding 400 kilometers (249 miles).
In a notable instance this summer, the Army successfully fired a PrSM from the Pacific island of Palau, hitting a moving target at sea. This represented the first use of the missile outside American testing sites.
Looking ahead, the Army plans to enhance the PrSM through various increments, focusing on improved targeting of moving maritime targets and advancements in lethality and range. A primary near-term goal is to develop a maritime, ship-killing capability.
Lockheed, alongside a team from RTX and Northrop Grumman, will compete to create the Long-Range Maneuverable Fires program, which aims to dramatically extend missile range potentially beyond its planned 499 kilometers (310 miles). The Army’s withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia in 2019 has facilitated the development of missiles with ranges that exceed previous treaty restrictions.
Previously, in October 2021, the Army carried out a long-range flight test of the PrSM, which is believed to have surpassed the existing range requirement of 499 kilometers.
Several additional tests are planned, with user testing set to commence in December. The Army anticipates making a production decision for the first variant of the PrSM by the end of 2025.
Jen Judson, who covers land warfare for Defense News, is the author of this report. She has experience writing for Politico and Inside Defense and holds a Master’s degree in journalism from Boston University as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College.
