Lockheed successfully completed the first flight test of the PrSM Inc 2 rocket.
Lockheed's announcement of a successful test launch of the new PrSM Increment 2 (LBASM) missile comes shortly after the Army announced the first combat use of the PrSM Increment 1 (LRPF) system during the conflict in Iran.
The PrSM is a family of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles developed by Lockheed Martin to replace the MGM-140 ATACMS. An early variant of this missile, Increment One, is currently in service with the US Army and the Australian Army, with Australia being a partner in the program. Later variants, particularly the Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile (LBASM), will have the ability to attack ships, and further variants will incorporate new payloads (instead of the standard 90-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead, the missile can be equipped with drones Coyote or miniature glide bombs Hatchet from Northrop Grumman) and variable range (500 and 1,000 km).
The second modification of the PrSM is officially known as the Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile (LBASM). Unlike the first modification, the LBASM is equipped with a multi-mode homing head, allowing it to more easily penetrate undetected zones. Since development of the LBASM began after the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, its range is expected to be increased beyond the previous threshold of 310 miles (500 km) to an expected 620 miles (1000 km), due to an increase in the missile's speed at the end of the OUT from 2,000 m/s to 3,000 m/s.
As its name suggests, the LBASM will be an anti-ship ballistic missile and, when combined with a multi-mode seeker, will be able to engage moving targets. The first procurement of the missile is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2028, after which it will be delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps.
The LBASM participated in the "Precision Attack Missile" competition, along with another missile system, StrikeMaster, for the Australian Coastal Defense System contract. The first full-scale test was conducted in 2024.
Currently, the High-Precision Strike Missile can only be launched from the M142 HIMARS launcher; however, plans are being considered to enable the missile to be launched from surface ships using the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System. Currently, only Australia and the United States possess the missile. Norway's export request was rejected, and the United Kingdom is also considering acquiring it.
The PrSM missile for the US and Australian military is planned to be produced at a facility in Australia, complementing domestic production in the United States.
The missile was first used in combat by the United States Army during the current war with Iran in 2026.
Lockheed Martin announced the first flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM Increment 2) program for the US Army. This program aims to create a multi-mode guidance system capable of engaging naval targets on the move.
The guidance system for the PrSM Increment 2 land-based anti-ship missile was successfully tested at a range of 350 kilometers (217,5 miles) using the M142 High Mobility Air-to-Air Rocket System (HIMARS) and can also be launched from the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System, according to a company press release. The guidance system is capable of operating autonomously (without receiving target designation from external sources) at ranges of up to 500 kilometers (310,7 miles) in combat conditions.
Through modular design, flexible processes, and close collaboration with the Army and our supplier network, we are moving quickly to deliver these advanced capabilities to service members faster without sacrificing performance or reliability.
"Gaelia Campbell, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Tactical Missiles Division, said in a press release Thursday.
The press release also added that the guidance system used in the PrSM Increment 2 program has been upgraded to a new seeker, enabling "target acquisition on moving, time-sensitive threats." The company stated that the PrSM Increment 2 program is currently in the "technological refinement" phase, with a preliminary technical design review underway.
"With Phase II development, the PrSM provides the Army with the capability it has been asking for to engage moving land and sea threats at extended ranges," said Carolyn Orzechowski, vice president of Lockheed's Precision Launchers and Missiles business, in a press release. "Our focused investment and accelerated delivery demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the Army customer."
According to a press release, the company plans additional flight tests for the second phase of development later this year, indicating that the company is "advancing the system from the flight test stage to the operational phase at unprecedented speed."
The press release did not indicate when Lockheed plans to bring the system to operational capability, but Defense Daily previously reported that Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, the program manager for fire support acquisition, said he hopes to acquire the first 10 Increment 2 seekers in June or July of this year.
Lockheed's announcement came shortly after the Army announced the first combat use of the PrSM Increment 1 system, also developed by Lockheed Martin, during the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Although the second phase has not yet been fielded, the Army has already begun developing plans for future PrSM programs. As previously reported by Breaking Defense, the third phase will focus on adding improved payloads, and the fourth phase, for which the Army has partnered with Lockheed and Raytheon-Northrop Grumman, will enable the missile to fly over 1000 km (621,4 miles). The Army is also seeking a solution for the fifth phase, which would have a launch range of over 1000 km and be fired from an autonomous launcher.
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