Australia and the United States have formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at collaborating on the production, sustainment, and subsequent development of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). This partnership is significant for the Australian Armed Forces, granting them access to the latest tactical ballistic missile technology utilized by their US counterparts.
The agreement not only enhances Australia’s military capabilities but also paves the way for local industries to engage in the PrSM supply chain. This includes potential involvement in the production of various components and sub-components. Furthermore, discussions are set to begin later this year concerning the possibility of manufacturing and maintaining the missiles within Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of technology and capability cooperation between Australia and the United States, describing it as a vital aspect of their Alliance. He remarked that the Albanese Government’s investment in the PrSM initiative aims to broaden and expedite the development of land-based long-range strike capabilities.
To support this initiative, the Australian government is committing approximately 310 million Australian dollars (about $202 million) over the next decade to fully participate in the program. Additionally, an extra investment of 150 million Australian dollars (around $98 million) will be allocated over the next five years to procure initial quantities of the missiles, establishing the first Long Range Fires Regiment.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy stated that this investment underscores Australia’s commitment to achieving the goals outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which focuses on accelerating the acquisition of long-range land and maritime strike capabilities while adopting a Strategy of Denial.
The Precision Strike Missile is designed to replace the aging Army Tactical Missile System, featuring a more advanced design with an extended range of 500 kilometers (310 miles). The PrSM can be launched from systems like the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. The first batch of PrSMs is anticipated to be delivered to the US military in late 2024, with full-rate production expected to commence in 2025.
Additionally, the next generation of this missile, known as PrSM 2, is currently under development and is projected to achieve initial operational capability by 2028. This advanced iteration will include a multi-mode seeker, specifically designed for maritime targeting, further enhancing its operational versatility.
