PRECISION STRIKE MISSILE (PRSM)

The Precision Strike Missile (PRSM) program is a key Army modernization initiative under budget line item 8540C29600. It is designed to provide the next generation of surface-to-surface precision fires capability. The primary goal of the PRSM program is to replace and significantly improve upon the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), addressing capability gaps in range, lethality, and survivability against evolving threats. The program is directly aligned with the Army's Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) modernization priority and supports the broader Army Transformation Initiative.

PRSM Increment 1 focuses on delivering a missile with a threshold maximum range of 400 kilometers, enhanced lethality against a designated target set, and compatibility with existing launch platforms such as the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The objectives for Increment 1 include providing a launch pod missile container (LPMC) that holds two missiles, ensuring survivability in contested environments, and meeting cluster and insensitive munition (IM) requirements. The open systems approach adopted in PRSM Increment 1 is intended to facilitate future upgrades to counter new and emerging threats.

The mission of PRSM Increment 1 is to enable joint force commanders to attack, neutralize, suppress, and destroy critical and time-sensitive area and point targets. These targets include threat air defense systems, missile launchers, command and control centers, assembly and staging areas, and other high-value objectives across the multi-domain battlefield. The system is designed to provide a 24/7, all-weather precision fires capability, thereby countering adversary maneuver and air defense operations.

PRSM Increment 2 represents the next phase of capability development, integrating an advanced seeker to engage critical, time-sensitive moving maritime or relocatable land targets. Procurement for Increment 2 is planned to begin in FY 2026, with the objective of expanding the missile's operational flexibility and effectiveness against a broader range of dynamic targets. The initial procurement plan for FY 2026 includes Increment 2 missiles, reflecting the higher unit cost and complexity associated with the integration of seeker technology.

The FY 2026 funding request supports the production of PRSM missiles with LPMCs, including both Increment 1 and Increment 2 variants. The funding approach leverages both base and supplemental resources to maximize procurement quantities and address urgent operational requirements. The Army's current acquisition objective is thousands of missiles for Increment 1 and Increment 2, reflecting the scale of the planned fielding.

The justification for the PRSM program is rooted in the need to close the capability gap between ATACMS and near-peer missile systems, ensuring the Army can maintain overmatch in long-range precision fires. The program has received validation from Army Futures Command and the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC), and is considered essential for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities as stipulated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The Army also intends to leverage cost savings from contract negotiations, other service procurement, and international partnerships to further increase procurement quantities.