Precision Strike for Australia – Redefining Long-Range Deterrence
The Australian Army’s first live firing of the Lockheed Martin Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 marked a significant advancement in Australia’s long-range fires capability. The launch demonstrated the maturity, range and accuracy of the PrSM family with the missile striking a target more than 300 kilometres away. Fired from an Australian High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher, the event validated Australia’s growing ability to project long-range, precision fires from land, supporting the Australian Army’s overall modernisation path.
Australia’s first PrSM firing also coincides with a renewed focus on Land Based Maritime Strike (LBMS); a key element of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Under Project LAND 8113-Phase 2, Lockheed Martin would deliver PrSM Increment 2 as an evolution of Australia’s HIMARS ecosystem.
PrSM Increment 2 introduces a multi-mode seeker to engage moving and maritime targets, extending the reach of the Australian Army deep into the maritime domain. By integrating with joint and coalition fires networks, PrSM Increment 2 will allow Australia to deliver precision strike effects from the shore to the sea, contributing directly to deterrence and wide area sea denial.
James Heading, Director and General Manager of Missiles and Fire Control, Lockheed Martin Australia highlighted the criticality of PrSM, “PrSM Increment 2 will provide the Australian Army with a credible, land-based maritime strike capability that far exceeds the range of alternative systems – it will enable the Army to hold maritime targets at risk, at extended ranges”.
The rollout of PrSM in Australia and live-fire demonstration during Exercise Talisman Sabre reflects not only a capability milestone but also deepening industrial cooperation between Australia, the United States and Lockheed Martin. On October 14, 2025, both Governments and Lockheed Martin signed a Joint Statement of Intent on Guided Weapons, outlining a shared intent to co-produce advanced precision munitions – including PrSM – in Australia. This initiative will support the creation of highly skilled jobs for Australian’s and strengthens our overall ability to produce, maintain and sustain critical munitions for HIMARS domestically.
“Establishing local production and sustainment for munitions like PrSM will enhance Australia’s self-reliance, improve supply chain resilience and create highly skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing. It is a tangible example of partnership delivering real capability and economic benefits,” said Heading on the importance of the Joint Statement.
Two Lockheed Martin Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) in a Launch Pod Container
The combination of HIMARS and PrSM provides a proven, scalable and rapidly deployable system that will provide unmatched long-range strike and deterrence options for Australia. A second HIMARS regiment equipped with PrSM Increment 2 would deliver a decisive advantage; land-forces capable of precision maritime strike, fully integrated with Australia’s closest security partners. Future PrSM Increments, already in development, will also extend strike range into the thousands of kilometres while retaining commonality with the baseline launcher family. The growth path of PrSM balances near-term operational impact with future capability, enabling the Australian Army to field capability now while continuing to evolve range, lethality and effect into the future.
As the Indo-Pacific Maritime Exposition 2025 approaches, the HIMARS-PrSM ecosystem stands as a powerful example of partnership in action – combining advanced technology, Australian industrial uplift and creation of new jobs. With PrSM Increment 1 already demonstrating accuracy and reliability and PrSM Increment 2 poised to introduce true land-based maritime strike capability, Australia is on a clear path toward a fully integrated and sovereign long-range strike capability that strengthens deterrence, grows Australian industry and supports stability across Australia’s near region. The HIMARS capability, being acquired by the Australian Army under the LAND8113 program, represents a generational shift in strike capability. The first launchers have been delivered early and on-budget with further deliveries expected in the coming months.