U.S. military confirms combat debut of new PrSM missile

U.S. Central Command confirmed that the United States used the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in combat for the first time during Operation Epic Fury, marking the operational debut of the long-range surface-to-surface missile developed to replace the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

In a statement, U.S. Central Command said: “In a historic first, long-range Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) were used in combat during Operation Epic Fury, providing an unrivaled deep strike capability.”

Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command, praised the personnel involved in the operation and the introduction of the new weapon system. “I just could not be prouder of our men and women in uniform leveraging innovation to create dilemmas for the enemy,” Cooper said.

The Precision Strike Missile, commonly referred to as PrSM and pronounced “prism,” is a next-generation surface-to-surface guided missile developed by the United States Army. The program was designed to replace the aging inventory of ATACMS missiles and provide longer-range precision strike capability.

According to U.S. Army program information, the missile is launched from existing artillery platforms already in service with U.S. and allied forces. These include the M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS.

The use of PrSM in Operation Epic Fury demonstrates the system’s integration into operational units equipped with these launch platforms. Both the MLRS and HIMARS systems are mobile artillery systems capable of rapidly relocating after launching rockets or missiles.

The Precision Strike Missile was developed as part of a broader modernization effort focused on long-range fires. U.S. Army planners designed the system to extend strike distances beyond those available with the earlier ATACMS missile family.

The baseline version of the PrSM is intended to engage a wide variety of targets at ranges of up to 310 miles. The missile is designed for use in all weather conditions and is capable of striking both area targets and fixed point targets with guided precision.

The development of the Precision Strike Missile was also shaped by evolving threat environments. U.S. military planners have identified the need for long-range precision fires capable of countering advanced missile systems deployed by potential adversaries.

One system frequently cited in discussions of regional missile balance is Russia’s Iskander ballistic missile system. The Iskander system is deployed by Russian forces in several regions, including the Kaliningrad enclave in Europe.

The Iskander missile is reported to have a range of up to 440 miles, which places large portions of Central and Eastern Europe within reach. Analysts have noted that systems deployed in Kaliningrad could reach cities such as Berlin and cover substantial portions of Poland and Sweden.

The U.S. Army’s Precision Strike Missile program was initiated in part to ensure that U.S. forces possess comparable long-range strike capabilities. By extending the reach of mobile artillery systems such as HIMARS and MLRS, PrSM allows commanders to engage high-value targets at distances beyond traditional artillery ranges.

Unlike traditional artillery shells, guided surface-to-surface missiles like PrSM are designed to travel hundreds of miles and strike targets with precision guidance systems. This capability enables forces to attack command nodes, logistics hubs, missile launchers, and other critical infrastructure from stand-off distances.

The PrSM program also aligns with changes in U.S. munition policy and modernization priorities. The missile will replace ATACMS variants that are nearing the end of their service life.