US Army Successfully Tests New PrSM Precision Strike Missile for M270 and HIMARS.

The United States Army has achieved a significant milestone in modernizing its long-range precision fire capabilities of M270A2 and M142 HIMARS rockets/missiles launchers. According to a recent statement from the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Army successfully tested the new Precision Strike Missile Increment 1 (PrSM Inc 1) on November 13, 2023, at the White Sands Missile Range.
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U.S. Army conducted a firing test with the new Precision Strike Missile Increment 1 PrSM Inc 1 on November 13, 2023, at the White Sands Missile Range. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The test, part of the Production Qualification Test 1 series, demonstrated the missile's ability to accurately engage targets, confirming its predicted flight trajectory, lethality, near-vertical engagement angle, and height of burst. These preliminary results are promising, with a comprehensive final report expected in December 2023.

This successful flight test marks a crucial step towards the integration of the PrSM Inc 1 missiles into the U.S. Army's arsenal, with an anticipated Early Operational Capability in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024. The new missiles are set to replace the current inventory of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, offering significantly enhanced range and lethality for long-range precision fires.

The PrSM is a cutting-edge surface-to-surface missile designed to provide commanders with a reliable, all-weather capability to strike critical and time-sensitive targets. Notably, it complies with cluster munition policies and is capable of engaging targets beyond the ATACMS's maximum range of 300 kilometers.

As part of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Family of Munitions, the PrSM will complement the existing suite of Guided MLRS rockets and ultimately replace ATACMS. A notable feature of the PrSM system is its launch pod missile container, which can hold two missiles instead of the single missile capacity of the ATACMS.

Looking ahead, future increments of the PrSM program will focus on extending the missile's range and enhancing its ability to engage a wider array of targets, including time-sensitive, moving, and hardened targets. The PrSM missiles will be deployable from both the tracked M270A2 MLRS and the wheeled M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System).

This development represents a significant leap forward in the U.S. Army's capabilities, providing commanders with a more versatile and effective tool for engaging targets in the multi-domain battlefield. The PrSM's enhanced range and precision are expected to play a pivotal role in future military operations, ensuring the U.S. maintains a strategic edge in long-range artillery capabilities.

Defense News November 2023