U.S. Army Advances Precision Strike Capabilities with Soldier-Led Test of Lockheed Martin’s PrSM

The U.S. Army has achieved a significant milestone in its long-range precision-strike capabilities by conducting the first soldier-led Limited User Test (LUT) of Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). This cutting-edge missile system is being developed to provide the Army with a decisive edge on the modern battlefield, and this test marks a critical step in its journey toward operational deployment.

The test was conducted at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where Army personnel independently launched two PrSM missiles using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The objective was to evaluate the missile’s performance in real-world conditions, including its range, accuracy, and reliability. The successful hits on long-range targets underscored the weapon’s readiness for operational use and validated its reliability when managed directly by soldiers.

What Sets the PrSM Apart

The Precision Strike Missile represents a leap forward in long-range missile technology. Designed to replace the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), the PrSM boasts a range exceeding 400 kilometers (nearly 250 miles). This extended range provides the Army with the capability to strike deep into adversary territory, targeting high-value assets such as command centers, air defenses, and infrastructure.

Built on an open systems architecture, the PrSM is engineered for adaptability. This modular design allows for future upgrades, ensuring the system remains relevant as battlefield requirements evolve. Notably, Lockheed Martin has incorporated a roadmap for maritime interoperability, paving the way for potential joint operations with the U.S. Navy.

The missile is compatible with the M142 HIMARS and the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), ensuring its integration into the Army’s existing systems without extensive modifications. This compatibility reduces logistical challenges and accelerates deployment timelines.

Enhanced Capabilities and Future Potential

The PrSM is not just about range; its precision is equally remarkable. Guided by advanced navigation and targeting systems, the missile delivers pinpoint accuracy even in contested environments. This capability is critical in modern warfare, where minimizing collateral damage and maximizing impact are top priorities.

Future iterations of the PrSM are expected to include enhancements such as extended range and increased lethality. Lockheed Martin is also exploring multi-domain applications, including maritime strike capabilities. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s vision for integrated deterrence across land, sea, air, and cyber domains.

A Strategic Modernization Priority

As one of the U.S. Army’s flagship modernization programs, the PrSM is central to its strategy of overmatching adversaries. By enabling precision engagement at unprecedented distances, the missile addresses emerging threats posed by near-peer competitors like China and Russia.

The successful soldier-led test is a testament to the program’s maturity and operational readiness. Carolyn Orzechowski, vice president of Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles at Lockheed Martin, noted, “This achievement underscores the program’s maturity and reinforces the system’s reliability for our Army partner.”

Broader Implications

The PrSM’s development is part of a broader push to modernize U.S. military capabilities. Long-range precision fires are a cornerstone of the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations concept, which seeks to integrate forces across multiple domains to achieve decisive outcomes.

With the PrSM, the Army is not just investing in a weapon but in a comprehensive capability to dominate the future battlefield. Its successful testing, especially under soldier-led conditions, reflects confidence in the system’s practicality and performance.

As the program progresses, the Precision Strike Missile is poised to redefine the U.S. Army’s operational reach, ensuring that it remains a step ahead in an increasingly contested global landscape.