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A Precision Strike Missile has been test-fired from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System in Australia for the first time in a major milestone for the long-range strike capability of the Australian Defence Force.
The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) long-range missile has a maximum range beyond 500 kilometres and is designed for use in land and maritime strikes.
The test firing, conducted two years ahead of schedule, was attended by the Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and United States Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll at the Mount Bundey Training area in the Northern Territory.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today is the day that the Australian Army enters the missile age. Today is the day that the Australian Army enters the missile age, the successful test firing of the Precision Strike Missile,” Minister Conroy said.
“Only the 16th test firing of this missile around the world, and only the second one by a manned platform. This takes the range of the Australian Army from 40 kilometres to 500 kilometres, on the way to 1,000 kilometre range.
“The test firing of the PrSM has been delivered two years ahead of schedule after delivering the PrSM one year ahead of schedule.
“This is all about extending deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, all about signalling to any potential adversary that, that pain can be inflicted. All about deterring war through strength. And the PrSM is the greatest example of that to date for the Australian Army.
“This successful launch is a significant milestone in the government’s plan to deliver a 25-fold increase to Army’s long-range strike capability.”
Australia and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year for PrSM production, sustainment and follow-on development.
Negotiations are expected to commence later this year on options for future domestic manufacturing and maintenance of PrSM in Australia.
Future missile upgrades are expected to enhance the missile’s capability to include a greater range of over 1,000 kilometres, improved sensors and novel warheads.
“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with the Australians for the development and production of this missile that is the type of manufacturing around the world that can strengthen both our American defence industrial base and also that of our allies,” Secretary Driscoll said.
“If you look at the way conflict has, is unfolding now, what is not being rewarded is large, massive presences with static locations and big footprints and signatures. What is being rewarded is the ability to be agile, hide your signature, move quickly.
“And if you look at what’s behind us, if you think about where that could exist in the world and still reach out and touch a potential adversary, it’s pretty incredible.”
The PrSM was fired over 300 kilometres, from Mount Bundey Defence Training Area to Bradshaw Defence Training Area, Northern Territory.
The missile was originally acquired under the Cooperative Program with the US Army.
“So Precision Strike Missile travels above Mach five. Today, we’re up average speed of about 3.3 Mach so, through 3.3 times the speed of sound. Time of flight is four minutes and three seconds, and we’re shooting at a range of 304 kilometres, and the round landed within a metre of the aim point at the other end,” said Major General Richard Vagg, speaking about the Precision Strike Missile on 25 July.
“We talked before the indirect fire systems for Army before today ranged out to about 30 kilometres. And that was really stressful. That was the M777 howitzer. We’re producing a self-powered howitzer, that round will get to between 50 and 60 kilometres.
“The Precision Strike, well firstly, the HIMARS with the guided MLRS, is going to get us out to about 80 to 90 kilometres. The Precision Strike Missile will get us out to 500 kilometres, the land and maritime strike. We’re developing a series of increments, and I am anticipating, but before 2030, we’ll be pushing out beyond 1,000 kilometres for that system.
“The big benefit with a system like this is it’s small, you can hide it really easily, and it’s persistent.”
