The U.S. Department of Defense is about to usher in a new era of missile weapons with the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), designed to replace the aging MGM-140s, known as Atacms. This ambitious program, which has been in development for several years, aims to equip field artillery units with a long-range missile system characterized by exceptional strike capabilities. In the most recent demonstration at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the PrSM successfully completed its test flight, underlining its promising effectiveness. The intention is clear: to replace the Atacms, whose last deployment was in connection with the war in Ukraine, where they made their debut after repeated requests from Kiev.
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Preliminary results indicate that the new long-range missile responded optimally, ensuring a precise trajectory, significant lethality, a near-vertical angle of attack and an adequate explosion height. A detailed report on the test is expected in December. The PrSM, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile designed to operate in all weather conditions. Its versatility is further emphasized by the possibility of equipping it with a load of cluster bombs, although such devices are controversial as they are banned by the 2008 UN Convention but are still manufactured by the United States.
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The PrSM can be launched from both the M142 High Mobility Artillery (HIMARS) and the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), expanding the U.S. Army’s tactical capabilities. The basic PrSM variant is designed to replace the aging Atacms missile arsenal and allow the United States to significantly increase the range and lethality of long-range precision munitions. With an impressive range of nearly 250 miles (approximately 400 kilometers), the PrSM exceeds the maximum range any Atacms variant can achieve, which tops out at approximately 300 kilometers. In addition, the ability of the HIMARS launch pods to accommodate two PrSMs instead of a single Atacms ammunition doubles the available volume of fire, confirming the significant leap in performance and effectiveness of the new PrSM missile. The arms race continues without ever stopping.
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