The Australian Government, led by Anthony Albanese, has announced that the Australian Army will significantly expand its long-range strike capability through the acquisition of new HIMARS (HIMARS) systems and PrSM (PrSM) ballistic missiles. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to operate effectively in regional scenarios, utilizing high-precision land-based strike systems with extended range as part of a national security overhaul.
The decision involves an investment of 2.3 billion dollars over the next decade and includes the establishment of a second long-range fires regiment at the Edinburgh defence precinct in South Australia. This critical step follows a competitive evaluation process conducted by the Australian Department of Defence, aligning with the strategic guidelines set forth in the National Defence Strategy 2026.
According to the strategy, Australia must increase its long-range strike capacity to guarantee the defence of its territory and respond to potential contingencies within its strategic environment. The incorporation of a second regiment will allow the ADF to strike targets at distances of up to 500 kilometres, with the technical projection to exceed 1,000 kilometres as future versions of the PrSM missile evolve.
The program is also part of the 2026 Integrated Investment Program, which forecasts an expenditure of up to 37 billion dollars over ten years to enhance precision strike and target acquisition capabilities across the Navy (RAN), Army, and Air Force (RAAF). This investment includes the development of data systems and technologies designed to integrate the operational capabilities of the various branches of the armed forces.
HIMARS systems are already in service with the Australian Army as part of the first long-range fires regiment and have been utilized in recent multinational exercises. During Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, Australia conducted the first firing of a PrSM missile from an M142 HIMARS launcher at the Mount Bundey training area, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s military modernization process.
In parallel, the Australian government is advancing the development of a domestic missile manufacturing industry, which will include local production of vectors compatible with HIMARS launchers. Recently, it was confirmed that the first Australian-made GMLRS (GMLRS) missile was tested, while Australia and the United States (USA) established a cooperation program for the development and future production of the PrSM missile.
The strengthening of these capabilities is linked to prior agreements with Washington, such as the October 2025 authorization of a possible additional sale of HIMARS systems under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This operation, valued at 705 million dollars, consolidated the path to expanding the number of launchers available for immediate deployment by the Australian Army.
Government officials emphasized the importance of this investment for national sovereignty and industrial growth. The Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, stated: “This is a decisive investment in Australia’s long-range strike capability that will strengthen our Defence Force and help keep Australians safe.” Furthermore, the Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, noted: “To defend Australia, our Army needs a stronger long-range strike capability, and we are providing it.”
*Cover image courtesy of the Australian Department of Defence.
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