Ballistic Missile
PrSM
The PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) is a US Army surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile made by Lockheed Martin, replacing the ATACMS. Fired from HIMARS and M270A2 launchers, it has a range of more than 500 km and entered service in 2023.
United States|Lockheed MartinOverview
The Precision Strike Missile was developed by Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie, Texas, to replace the ATACMS. Flight tests began in 2019, and the US Army declared Early Operational Capability in December 2023. Increment 1 has a publicly stated range of over 500 km, with inertial and GPS guidance and a warhead of roughly 90 kg (estimate). A launch pod holds two PrSM, against one ATACMS, which doubles the magazine depth of each launcher.
Later increments add a multi-mode seeker for moving targets, including ships (Increment 2), and aim for a range near 1,000 km (Increment 4). Full-rate production followed, with multi-billion-dollar US Army contracts in 2025. Unit cost is estimated at $1.1–1.5 million, depending on the lot. The US Army is the only operator in 2026, while Australia co-develops the weapon and plans local production. Allied forces have fired it in exercises such as Talisman Sabre.
Key Specifications
Variants
PrSM Increment 1 is the baseline missile in production, with a range of over 500 km and GPS-aided guidance.
PrSM Increment 2 adds a multi-mode seeker designed to engage moving targets, including ships.
PrSM Increment 4 is the planned long-range version, aiming for a range of roughly 1,000 km.
Operators
United StatesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the PrSM?
The PrSM Increment 1 has a publicly stated range of more than 500 km. Later increments are planned to go further, with Increment 4 aiming for roughly 1,000 km. The earlier 499 km treaty-era limit no longer applies.
How much does the PrSM cost?
The PrSM costs an estimated $1.1–1.5 million per missile, according to US Army budget documents. The price varies by production lot. This is much less than many cruise missiles with a similar range.
PrSM vs ATACMS: what is the difference?
The PrSM replaces the ATACMS, offering a longer range of more than 500 km and a smaller size. A pod holds two PrSM against one ATACMS, which doubles the magazine depth on HIMARS and M270A2 launchers.
Which countries use the PrSM?
As of 2026 only the US Army operates the PrSM. Australia is a development partner, intends to buy it and plans to produce it locally. Allied forces have fired it in exercises such as Talisman Sabre.
What launches the PrSM?
The PrSM is launched from the M142 HIMARS and the M270A2 MLRS. Each launch pod holds two missiles. This lets existing US Army rocket launchers use the missile without a new launcher.
Who makes the PrSM?
The PrSM is made by Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie, Texas, for the US Army. Flight tests began in 2019, and Early Operational Capability was declared in December 2023 before full-rate production started.
