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The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a US$219 million (AU$333.4 million) contract to produce more Early Operational Capability (EOC) Precision Strike Missiles.
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This is the fourth production contract awarded to Lockheed Martin for the Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) long-range surface-to-surface missile, which is designed to enhance the long-range strike capabilities of the US Army amid growing demand.
Initial deliveries achieved a major modernisation milestone for the US Army, with the first deliveries in December 2023 securing needed long-range precision fires capability, following a successful production qualification test.
Jay Price, vice-president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin, welcomed this additional contract signing, saying, “We’re proud to deliver this long-range deterrent capability to our Army customer and continue work to advance the program and production on an aggressive schedule.”
PrSM production will continue as Lockheed Martin ramps up manufacturing efforts to fulfil current EOC contracts. Additional testing is also planned this year to include an Army-led user test.
PrSM is the US Army’s next-generation long-range precision strike missile capable of neutralising targets beyond 400 kilometres. The new surface-to-surface weapon features open systems architecture design for maximum flexibility, is modular for future growth, and is compatible with HIMARS and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
The PrSM is designed to provide the Joint Force Commander with increased range, lethality, survivability, and missile load out. This combination of enhanced capabilities is critical to the successful execution of fires in support of combined Joint All-Domain Operations.
Australia will base its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher unit, 14 regiments, out of Puckapunyal in central Victoria, and gunners will undertake training at the US Artillery School in Oklahoma as early as next year.
The initial battery will field the first of 20 recently purchased HIMARS to be delivered in 2025. Initially, one troop of four HIMARS is expected to operate, with the rest used for training, maintenance, and certification. This will expand to a battery of three troops in 2027.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
