American defense company Lockheed Martin reported conducting the first flight test of Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2, during which it flew 350 km and completed assigned tasks. Specifically, during flight, a range of data regarding its characteristics was collected, which the company will subsequently use for system verification.
Most importantly, during these flight tests a new multi-mode guidance system was demonstrated, enabling the missile to engage moving targets. PrSM Increment 2 adds sea strike capabilities to the baseline ground target engagement mission, expanding its role in joint multi-domain operations, Lockheed Martin reports.
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The company recalls that PrSM ballistic missile can be operated from HIMARS and M270A2 rocket systems, which can carry two and four missiles respectively, and was created to replace ATACMS ballistic missile. Additional PrSM Inc. 2 flight tests are noted as scheduled for late this year.
PrSM ballistic missile already tested this year during American Operation Epic Fury in iran.Moreover, it is known the U.S. destroyed iranian ships from HIMARS rocket system, though it was not specified whether these were ATACMS or PrSM, nor whether ships were moving during attack.
Recall that as of today, five PrSM ballistic missile modifications exist. First — PrSM Increment 1 — is the baseline variant currently operated by U.S. military as well as Australia, has 500 km range and is not equipped with multi-mode seeker, so accordingly can engage only static targets.
Second — PrSM Increment 2 — also designated Land Based Anti-Ship Missile (LBASM), is expected to have range up to 1,000 km, also having higher speed. This modification procurement is planned from 2028.
In the third variant — PrSM Increment 3 — experimentation with warheads will occur, specifically considering warheads with additional munitions including Raytheon Coyote drones or Orbital ATK Hatchet mini-bombs. Interestingly, the third modification will likely become available after the fourth, while the fourth was demonstrated before the second.
In the fourth variant — PrSM Increment 4 — this involves the newest air-breathing aeroballistic missile with ramjet engine striking 800 km, which was shown last fall. Interestingly, initially its range was planned at 1,000 km and even more, but it is known that specifically 800 km is the latest defense department requirement.
Finally, the fifth variant — Increment 5 — will be developed specifically for unmanned launchers, and thanks to those lacking operator cabin, the missile is expected to receive larger dimensions and accordingly better tactical-technical characteristics.
Previously, Defense Express reported it is very likely russia modified iranian ballistic missiles to pass by Patriot SAM systems.
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