Lockheed Martin has secured a significant $4.9 billion contract to provide the US Army with its long-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) under Increment One, according to a contract notice released recently. This award follows a competitive solicitation process, in which only one bid was submitted, highlighting Lockheed Martin’s dominant position in this sector.
The contract announcement comes on the heels of successful developments in the PrSM’s testing phase. Notably, a live-fire exercise conducted in mid-2024 demonstrated the missile’s capabilities when it engaged a moving maritime target through an autonomous multi-domain launcher. This exercise marks a critical step in the missile’s operational testing, underscoring its potential for modern warfare.
In addition to the live-fire tests, the PrSM achieved a key milestone in 2023 by completing a production qualification flight test in what was termed its “most stressful environment.” This accomplishment illustrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to ensuring the missile can perform under extreme conditions before full production.
The work associated with the Increment One contract will take place at an undisclosed location, with expected completion slated for March 2030. As a next-generation surface-to-surface weapon, the PrSM is designed to effectively attack, neutralize, suppress, and destroy advanced threats, showcasing advanced technological capabilities necessary for current and future combat scenarios.
With an impressive operational range exceeding 499 kilometers (310 miles), the PrSM is initially designed to be launched from existing platforms, including the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System. However, future enhancements are anticipated to further increase its effectiveness, allowing for an upgraded strike capability tailored to evolving battlefield conditions.
Looking ahead, in May 2024, the US Army outlined requirements for Increment Two, indicating a new phase of development for the PrSM. This iteration is expected to feature a sleeker design and an increased magazine capacity—doubling the number of rounds that can be carried per launcher. Increment Two aims to enhance the missile’s velocity, range, and overall strike effectiveness, reinforcing the Army’s tactical capabilities in modern warfare.
As military conflicts continue to evolve globally, the advancements represented by the PrSM and its subsequent increments underscore the ongoing importance of cutting-edge technology in maintaining military readiness and superiority on the battlefield.
