Update: Lockheed Martin makes first Precision Strike Missile delivery

The US Army announced the Precision Strike Missile had undergone qualification testing in November 2023. (US Army )

The first Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) weapons have been delivered to the US Army, representing the programme reaching initial operating capability (IOC), the service announced on 8 December.

Lockheed Martin plans to deliver three early operational capability (EOC) missiles out of 26 surface-to-surface missiles that are part of PrSM Increment 1 to the army before the end of the year, Paula Hartley, vice-president and general manager for Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin, told Janes on 11 October. The delivery has been planned based on the qualification testing that took place in November at White Sands Missile Range, according to Hartley.

Four missiles were provided to the army as part of the first delivery, Darrell Ames, spokesperson for Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO M&S), told Janes on 12 December. Ames added that the location of PrSM EOC missiles has not been determined beyond their initial acceptance.

The delivery represents “aggressive use” of acquisition authorities that allow the army to move equipment to soldiers quickly, said Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the army for acquisition, logistics, and technology.

“The Precision Strike Missile will provide joint force commanders with a 24/7, all-weather capability that will counter the enemy's ability to conduct combat manoeuvre and air-defence operations,” said Bush in the army's 8 December press release. Launched from M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, the launch pod missile container can hold two at a time, an increase from the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System.