U.S. Army's PrSM and hypersonic weapons to transform long-range precision fires

Breaking new ground in military capabilities, U.S. Army is gearing up to deploy two state-of--art missile systems in hands of its soldiers by 2024. This strategic move dresses critical distance challenges within ambit of Army's extensive long-range precision fires modernization program. One of se vancements, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), boasts an impressive range of up to 300 miles, eclipsing its predecessor, Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which maxes out at approximately 190 miles. This leap forward is a result of ongoing collaboration with Rayon initiated in February 2023 under system’s Increment 4 development. 

To bolster Army's agility and extend its operational reach against formidable versaries such as Russia and China, service is pioneering an invative techlogy— Long Range Hypersonic Weapon. Once deployed, this hypersonic missile is poised to achieve ranges of up to 1,725 miles, as outlined in a 2023 Congressional Research Service report. 

Triumph in PrSM testing signals early operational capability 

PrSM recently achieved a significant milestone by completing a successful production qualification test. Launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System on v. 13 at White Sands Missile Range, test evaluated projectile's flight trajectory, lethality, near-vertical engment angle, and height of burst. This triumph propels PrSM to status of "early operational capability," paving way for soldiers to commence operational use in 2024.

In contrast, journey of developing Long Range Hypersonic Weapon has encountered more intricate challenges. Surpassing Mach 5 (3,836 miles per hour) and maneuvering at various altitudes are formidable hurdles. first hypersonic weapon proto was delivered to 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Field Artillery Brige, I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, in fiscal year 2021. This early increment included essential components such as battery operations center, transporter-erector launchers, and modified transport vehicles. 

Delays in common hypersonic glide body development  

However, development of Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB), encompassing weapon's warhe, guidance system, cabling, and rmal protection shield, has faced delays following a canceled test in September. Consequently, system is w anticipated to be fielded in 2024, shifting from its originally planned late 2023 deployment. 

Despite challenges, Army Undersecretary Gabe Camarillo expressed unwavering confidence in program's overall progress. While specific details regarding canceled test were t disclosed, Camarillo assured that development was proceeding positively. 

se cutting-edge missile systems play a pivotal role in Army's recently established Multi-Domain Task Forces and Strategic Mid-Range Fires battery. overarching plan involves deploying a Strategic Mid-Range Fires battery within Strategic Fires Battalion, all coordinated by Multi-Domain Task Forces. Commencing in 2018, formation of se task forces has unfolded strategically, with 1st MDTF in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, followed by 2nd MDTF in Europe in 2021, and 3rd MDTF in Pacific in 2022, culminating in ir first full operational exercise in 2023.