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Lockheed Martin Validates Precision Strike Missile for Full-Scale Production Approval.
On November 19, 2024, Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with the U.S. Army, announced the successful completion of a production qualification flight test for its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), marking an important milestone for large-scale production. The test, conducted at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, once again demonstrated the system’s performance and production readiness.
Lockheed Martin advances PrSM production validation through qualification testing as it nears a full-rate production decision. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin and Army Recognition)
During the exercise, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher fired two PrSM missiles in a mid-range flight scenario, engaging designated targets with precision. This dual-shot trial confirmed the missile’s ability to deliver reliable and accurate long-range strikes, an essential feature for modern military operations.
“The PrSM continues to demonstrate exceptional performance and reliability,” said Carolyn Orzechowski, Vice President of Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles at Lockheed Martin. She emphasized the system’s role as a credible deterrent while highlighting technological advancements. “By integrating 21st Century Security® technologies into the PrSM, we ensure its adaptability for cross-domain and maritime operations, meeting the evolving needs of modern conflicts.”
This qualification test marks a significant step following the fourth Early Operational Capability (EOC) contract awarded in March, reflecting the U.S. Army’s confidence in the PrSM’s operational readiness. These advancements underscore the importance of this next-generation missile for precision long-range strikes.
Designed to replace the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), the PrSM offers a range exceeding 400 kilometers, making it a key component of the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy. With an open architecture, it ensures cost-effective scalability for future updates and operational flexibility. Its modular design also enables compatibility with existing platforms, such as the HIMARS launcher and the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270A2.
The Precision Strike Missile represents a significant advancement in modern military technologies, particularly in long-range artillery. Designed to replace aging systems like the ATACMS, it is distinguished by an extended range exceeding 500 kilometers, offering greater operational flexibility and enabling strikes deep within enemy territory while remaining outside their immediate counterattack range.
Its accuracy is another major asset, achieved through advanced guidance systems that combine GPS and inertial navigation, reinforced with anti-jamming capabilities. This technology ensures resilience against electronic warfare tactics and allows precise targeting, reducing collateral damage while maximizing combat effectiveness.
The PrSM’s lethality lies in its high-performance explosive warhead, capable of neutralizing a wide range of targets, including fortified structures, air defense systems, and armored vehicles. Its modularity also allows for the integration of various warhead types to meet specific mission requirements.
The PrSM has already been delivered to the U.S. armed forces, marking a major step in modernizing their artillery capabilities. In December 2023, the Army received its first batch of these long-range precision missiles, designed to replace the ATACMS system. This delivery strengthens the U.S.’s strike capabilities in contested environments, leveraging advanced technologies to address modern threats. The PrSM is now fully operational, significantly enhancing the range and precision of surface-to-surface strikes.
These new tests aim to validate production and demonstrate the continued operational reliability of the PrSM before large-scale deployment. By simulating realistic scenarios, such as a dual launch from a HIMARS system against designated targets, the tests confirm the system’s accuracy, effectiveness, and integrity under varied conditions. They are also essential to ensure the missile meets the armed forces' requirements, including compatibility with existing platforms and adaptability to future missions, such as cross-domain and maritime operations. In summary, these tests bolster confidence in the weapon’s reliability and validate its capabilities for integration into modern military strategies.