Lockheed Martin recently announced the successful test of the anti-ship capability of the long-range PrSM Increment 2 missile, an evaluation that is part of the U.S. Army’s long-range fires program. The assessment made it possible to evaluate the capabilities and performance of the new multi-mode seeker, as well as the missile’s ability to engage moving maritime targets.
In its statement, Lockheed Martin detailed that “…the missile met the test objectives during a 350 km flight from a HIMARS system, deploying protective covers and capturing a set of performance data that will be used to validate the system…”.
The long-range PrSM missile was designed with an open systems architecture, which will allow it to evolve over the years. The Increment 2 variant is part of that process, as it incorporates the ability to strike moving maritime and land targets. With a medium-term plan to improve the system, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Army expect the PrSM Increment 3 and Increment 4 variants to provide increased lethality and range, respectively.
“…With Increment 2, PrSM delivers the long-range capability the Army needed to defeat moving land and maritime threats… Our focused investment and accelerated delivery demonstrate our firm commitment to the Army customer…” said Carolyn Orzechowski, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles.
Lockheed Martin’s intent is to accelerate the fielding of the PrSM Increment 2 missile through investment in advanced development and digital engineering. “…By leveraging modular design, agile processes, and close collaboration with the Army and our supplier network, we are moving quickly to deliver this enhanced capability to the warfighter faster, without compromising performance or reliability…” the manufacturer reported.
Improvements in PrSM Increment 2
As mentioned, the U.S. Army plans to field four versions of the PrSM missile, with Increment 1 serving as the baseline variant with a range of 400 kilometers. Subsequent developments, such as the current Increment 2, will focus on increasing range and enhancing the ability to strike mobile and hardened targets.
For Increment 2, Lockheed Martin worked on two areas: a new multi-mode seeker that provides the PrSM missile with guidance for target detection and acquisition against moving targets; and adding the ability to engage maritime targets to its land-attack capability—significantly strengthening and expanding the role of MLRS and HIMARS systems within joint multi-domain operations.
The U.S. Army received its first PrSM missiles in late 2023, an induction that also marked the start of replacing the MGM-140 ATACMS. PrSM Increment 1 Early Operational Capability was achieved thanks to production qualification evaluations carried out by the manufacturer and the service during 2023.
It is worth noting that the PrSM’s combat debut took place a few weeks ago in the Middle East, when the Army’s M142 HIMARS systems carried out a series of missile launches against targets in Iran. These actions took place within the framework of Operation Epic Fury, which has continued to this day and shows no sign of reaching a pause.
The development of PrSM Increment 2 is currently in the technology maturation phase, and the Preliminary Design Review is already underway, according to Lockheed Martin. The next flight tests are expected to take place toward the end of the current year.
Illustrative cover image. Credits: Space Force Photo – Anthony Mendez.
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