Lockheed Martin wins contract for more Precision Strike Missiles
Lockheed Martin began delivering long-range PrSMs to the US Army last year following numerous flight test successes. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin will produce more Early Operational Capability (EOC) Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) under a US$219 million contract awarded for the US Army.
The award, the fourth production contract to date for the long-range surface-to-surface missile, will allow for a significant increase in production capacity to meet army demand. Lockheed Martin delivered the first missiles in December 2023 following a successful November production qualification test.
PrSM, the US Army’s next generation long-range precision strike missile, is capable of neutralizing targets beyond 400km.
The new surface-to-surface weapon features open systems architecture design for maximum flexibility, is modular for future growth, and is HIMARS and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) compatible.
PrSM production will continue as Lockheed Martin ramps manufacturing efforts to fulfil current EOC contracts. Additional testing has also been planned this year to include an Army-led user test.
Last year’s test was described by the company as “the shortest-distance flown to date demonstrating the system’s continued accuracy from launch to impact”.
It was designed as a stressful and dynamic environment for the hypersonic missile as it manoeuvres and verifies structural integrity of the missile and trajectory control.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Dedicated drone munitions could unlock modular mission potential
Top attacks have proven effective against heavily armoured vehicles in Ukraine. A new family of uncrewed aerial system-delivered munitions is looking to press that advantage further.
-
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.