The United States is planning to manufacture approximately 400 new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) ballistic missiles annually. This initiative was announced in early October by Lockheed Martin, the main contractor for the development and production of this type of weapon. Lockheed Martin designed the new missiles to gradually replace the older ATACMS systems that are currently out of service. This transition represents a major upgrading of the U.S. Army’s long-range strike arsenal, with a distinct emphasis on next-generation technologies.
Technological Modernization of Production Processes
Lockheed Martin is implementing comprehensive automation in its manufacturing facilities to attain a high production rate. Robotic systems and automated quality control, which are based on sophisticated sensors and software algorithms, significantly decrease production time per unit while simultaneously increasing precision and reliability. This method ensures a continuous and effective production flow, which is crucial for transitioning to mass-scale output.
Stage C of the Precision Strike Missile program was officially initiated in July 2025. This phase is characterized by the deployment of operational missiles for active military service in U.S. Army units and the large-scale production processes. Preparations for the development of new variants capable of executing more complex missions are also included in this stage, in addition to the serial production of the baseline version.
Contracts and Funding of the Program
The Pentagon’s acquisition of a substantial quantity of PrSM Increment 1 missiles, valued at $ 4.9 billion, was a significant milestone in the program’s expansion, as indicated by the contract signed in late March 2025. Between 2025 and 2029, 1,296 missiles are scheduled for dispatch as part of these acquisitions. This quantity is consistent with the rearmament pace of numerous artillery and missile brigades in the United States Army.
The missile’s prospective modifications have also been emphasized by the American military leadership. Ten PrSM Increment 2 missiles were ordered in addition to the baseline Increment 1 version, which is intended to strike stationary targets. The Increment 2 variant is equipped with a seeker head that enables it to eliminate mobile targets, such as relocatable launchers and command centers.
It is important to note that the U.S. Army began receiving PrSM missile deliveries in 2023. Contracts for 282 missiles had already been executed between that time and 2025. Consequently, the program is gradually transitioning from a small number of initial samples for testing and early fielding to full-scale industrial production.
Technical Characteristics and Advantages
Target engagement capabilities have been demonstrated by the PrSM at distances of up to 500 kilometers, with a projected maximum range of 650 kilometers. This exceeds the capabilities of the older ATACMS systems, which have a maximum range of approximately 300 kilometers. Simultaneously, the PrSM’s optimized flight trajectory and updated guidance technologies enable it to penetrate modern air defense systems and maintain high precision.
This new system’s compact design and extended range are its main advantages, as it enables the loading of a greater number of missiles onto a single launcher. This results in a reduction in the time necessary to accomplish the desired strike effect and an increase in salvo density.
Australia’s Engagement and International Cooperation
The PrSM program’s successful breakthroughs have garnered the attention of both the U.S. military and its allies. Australia and the United States executed a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2025 that considered the prospective localization of PrSM production and maintenance on Australian soil. This step enables Canberra to acquire completed weapons and become a full participant in the program, thereby acquiring access to technology and supply chains.
Australia will invest 310 million Australian dollars over the next decade to integrate into the initiative, as stipulated in the agreement. Furthermore, an additional 150 million Australian dollars will be allocated to the acquisition of an initial stock of missiles over the course of the first five years. This will provide the Australian Army with a deterrent capability that is effective across its extensive maritime approaches and coastal zones in the medium term.
Geopolitical Implications and Military Doctrine
A broader U.S. defense strategy that emphasizes the extension of long-range strike capabilities and the preservation of technological superiority over prospective adversaries is reflected in the large-scale launch of PrSM production. This method is consistent with the concept of Multi-Domain Operations, which involves the close coordination of ground forces with the Air Force, Navy, and Cyber Command.
The U.S. and its allies are able to target critical logistics hubs and command centers without approaching the enemy’s air defense range in an environment of increasing military competition, notably in the Indo-Pacific region, because they have missiles with ranges exceeding 500 kilometers. This capability also enhances interoperability during joint operations, where coordination and reach are critical factors in achieving success.
Outlook for the Future
The Precision Strike Missile program is on the brink of becoming an essential component of the U.S. Armed Forces’ arsenal in the future decades as a result of its extensive scope and forward progress. It is anticipated that future variants will incorporate additional capabilities, including the capacity to engage naval targets and integration into networked fire-control systems. This would expand the missile’s capabilities in multi-domain combat scenarios that necessitate dynamic targeting and rapid data exchange.
Thus, the United States’ strategic transition to high-precision, long-range, and adaptive warfare systems is not solely a manufacturing accomplishment; it is also a reflection of the planned annual production of 400 PrSM Units. This development will transform the balance of power in numerous critical regions and provide U.S. forces with new capabilities for contemporary and prospective conflicts in the years ahead.
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