Lockheed Martin has announced the successful completion of another flight test for its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a next-generation ballistic weapon designed to eventually replace the ATACMS missiles currently used with the M142 HIMARS and M270 artillery systems. During the test, two PrSMs were launched at mid-range and successfully hit their designated targets.
According to the company, the tests had "proved the system’s continued accuracy and readiness." Carolyn Orzechowski, Vice President of precision systems department at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the missile's "exceptional system performance and reliability" in a press release.
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With these consistent testing successes and the recent approval Ukraine had received to deploy ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles for strikes into russian territory, it is finally time to discuss transferring PrSMs to Ukraine as either a purchase or a donation.
After all, PrSM boasts a significant advantage over ATACMS in terms of range. While ATACMS can reach up to 300 kilometers, PrSM is designed for ranges of 400 to over 499 kilometers, according to the manufacturer. However, the current production plans may delay its availability.
The missile’s very first deliveries began in December 2023, and mass production is still ramping up. Per 2025 budget planning, the U.S. Department of Defense plans to acquire only 230 units annually, and the existing stockpile remains limited, speaking unfavorably of Ukraine's prospects of getting the new weapon under the PDA aid program.
Additionally, PrSM is not expected to be available for export until 2027 but customers have already started to queue up. Estonia, for instance, has expressed interest in acquiring the missile for its HIMARS systems, further complicating Ukraine’s potential access under USAI program, too.
Another consideration is cost. Preliminary estimates suggest that each PrSM unit could exceed $3 million, aligning with the trend of rising prices for cutting-edge military technology. This cost and limited initial supply may pose challenges to its early deployment to Ukraine, despite its tactical advantages.
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