Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with the US Army, has completed a production qualification flight test for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
The test involved the launch of two PrSMs Increment 1 units from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) against a target set at a long range.
The units successfully hit an array of targets following their expected flight paths and distances. The tests included the engagement of a simulated SCUD missile, a radar installation, and helicopter assets.
The missiles achieved their intended performance metrics across various parameters such as distance covered, flight duration, precision, and detonation altitude.
These PrSM Increment 1 missiles are set to supplant the current Army Tactical Missile System, offering enhanced reach and destructive power to the army's artillery units.
The latest test is a continuation of the progress made with successful flights in November and the inaugural soldier-led test in December 2024.
The series of flight tests is a part of Lockheed Martin's missile development programme, aimed at verifying the system's reliability, performance, and effectiveness before deployment in combat scenarios.
This recent demonstration follows a contract award, valued at up to $120m, which will facilitate the expansion of production capabilities to 400 missiles annually.
Lockheed Martin precision fires launchers and missiles vice-president Carolyn Orzechowski said: “We continue to validate production during qualification testing as we approach a full-rate production decision from the army.
“The recent tests verify operational capability and volume of fires at various ranges, proving PrSM can launch in rapid succession.”
The PrSM is the US Army's latest long-range precision strike missile, designed to engage and neutralise targets over distances exceeding 400km.
It features an open systems architecture for cost efficiency and adaptability, modular design for future upgrades, and compatibility with both HIMARS and M270 launch platforms.
This weapon system is anticipated to provide the Joint Force Commander with enhanced operational capabilities.
This includes extended range, increased lethality, improved survivability and a greater missile loadout, with the ability to deliver indirect fire on targets up to more than 499km away.
