[Discussion] US Army's PrSM Used in Combat for First Time During Operation Epic Fury

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PrSM Employed in Combat for First Time During Operation Epic Fury

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the US Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) has been used in combat for the first time since its fielding in late 2023. The employment occurred during Operation Epic Fury, according to an official statement posted on CENTCOM’s social media channels.

“In a historic first, long-range Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) were used in combat during Operation Epic Fury, providing an unrivaled deep strike capability,” the command stated. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said the operation demonstrated the military’s ability to leverage innovation to create operational challenges for adversaries.

CENTCOM did not provide additional details regarding the specific targets struck by the missile.

Launch Platform and Capabilities

Video released by CENTCOM showed a PrSM launched from a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in a desert environment. The missile is also compatible with the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

The missile used appears to be part of the PrSM Increment 1 configuration. Developed by Lockheed Martin, Increment 1 is designed to replace the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). It offers a range of at least 500 kilometers, providing extended reach compared to legacy systems and enhancing the Army’s long-range precision fires capability.

Increment 1 is currently the only fielded variant of the PrSM program.

Planned Future Variants

The Army has outlined multiple follow-on increments to expand the missile’s functionality and range. PrSM Increment 2 is expected to incorporate a multimode seeker known as the Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile seeker, enabling maritime targeting capabilities.

Increment 3 is planned to introduce enhanced lethality payloads. Meanwhile, competing industry teams—one led by Lockheed Martin and another by Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman—are developing concepts for Increment 4. This version aims to exceed 1,000 kilometers in range, effectively doubling the reach of the current system.

The Army has also signaled interest in a fifth iteration capable of ranges beyond 1,000 kilometers and launch from an autonomous platform, though those efforts remain in development.

Broader Strike Package in Operation Epic Fury

CENTCOM has confirmed that Operation Epic Fury has involved a range of US military assets. These include B-2 Spirit bombers, F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, and the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS), a one-way attack drone described as being modeled after Iran’s Shahed-136 system.

Army air and missile defense assets deployed during the operation include Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, along with other counter-drone capabilities that were not specified.

According to CENTCOM statements, targets have included command and control centers, ballistic missile and drone facilities, Iranian naval vessels and submarines, airfields, and headquarters associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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