Operation Epic Fury – The U.S. Army used the long-range PrSM missile against targets in Iran

As part of the actions carried out during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. Army employed its new long-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) to strike targets in Iranian territory. The use of this artillery system was confirmed through images and videos released by United States Central Command (CENTCOM), audiovisual material disseminated as part of the communication campaign implemented by the U.S. Armed Forces.

The U.S. Army used PrSM missiles as part of the initial offensive launched alongside Israel. The raid, dubbed Epic Fury by Washington, aims to “…dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing sites that posed an imminent threat. Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields…,” CENTCOM reported.

According to details provided by the U.S. Armed Forces, the first wave of attacks included “…precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea. In addition, CENTCOM’s Scorpion Strike Task Force employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat…”. From this information, the participation of the long-range PrSM missile, as well as LUCAS attack drones, can be inferred.

Thanks to images and videos published on social media by CENTCOM, it can be observed that the PrSM missiles were launched from the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) units that the U.S. Army has deployed in the Middle East. These projectiles were part of the initial wave, alongside RGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles, LUCAS attack drones, and other precision munitions used against various targets in Iran.

PrSM Precision Strike Missile

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Army’s PrSM precision strike missile is part of a new generation of ballistic projectiles designed to provide precision strike capability against strategic targets deep within enemy territory. Thanks to its modular design, the PrSM can receive upgrades to keep it current and is compatible with the Army’s M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS rocket and missile artillery systems.

The U.S. Army received its first PrSM missiles in late 2023, also beginning the process of replacing the MGM-140 ATACMS. This initial PrSM variant, designated Increment 1 Early Operational Capability, was fielded following production qualification evaluations conducted by the manufacturer and the Army throughout 2023.

Testing of the new long-range missile has been completed in recent years, including launches from the two rocket artillery platforms used by the U.S. Army: the M142 HIMARS and the M270 MLRS. These evaluations validated the PrSM’s capabilities, including its role as an anti-ship missile.

With an official range of 400 kilometers, the PrSM is part of the U.S. Army’s capability to deliver precision fires at long distances from flexible platforms such as HIMARS.

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Lead image: CENTCOM

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