- British Army to acquire the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM),
a proven supersonic ballistic missile capable of hitting targets
up to 500km away.
- PrSM will help the Army's ability to find, fix and strike
threats to destroy enemy systems and supply lines before they can
threaten NATO forces and territory.
- Procurement backed by £190 million from the Government's £298
billion Defence Investment Plan, expected to support British
jobs.
The UK will join the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) programme,
supporting a transformation in the British Army's ability to
strike targets further away and strengthening the UK's
contribution to NATO deterrence.
Backed by £190 million in the Government's £298 billion Defence
Investment Plan, the procurement of PrSM will extend the Army's
current land-based strike range significantly.
PrSM is a proven ballistic missile capable of reaching supersonic
speeds and travelling up to 500km. It is fully compatible with
the UK's existing upgraded M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System
(MLRS) launchers, meaning no additional vehicle modifications
will be required.
Currently built by Lockheed Martin, the missile provides the
capability to take out stationary enemy systems and weapons up to
500km away. Future development could enhance the capability
further.
The investment in PrSM gives the British Army a deep
surface-to-surface ballistic missile capability that will
complement the Army's One Way Effector (OWE) drone and
ground-launched cruise missile capability. This will create a mix
of long-range precision strike options that the British Army
needs to defend and deter as part of NATO.
PrSM is a collaborative programme between the United States and
Australia. Subject to agreement with them, the UK
could receive the first deliveries in 2027. The announcement
follows NATO Defence Ministers meeting which focused on
cooperation and deterrence, and where Defence Secretary met with US Secretary of War Hegseth.
Defence Secretary MBE MP said:
I am absolutely determined to give our soldiers the weapons they
need as they defend our nation and NATO.
This new investment into a precision strike missile will help to
strengthen our Army and our security at this increasingly
dangerous time.
The US and Australia are vital defence partners, and I am working
with Secretary Hegseth and Deputy Prime Minister Marles to
deliver this programme alongside AUKUS.
UK participation will provide significant benefits to the UK, US,
Australia and NATO beyond the immediate military capability.
Benefits include working collaboratively to further develop the
missile bringing in the best of British industry, and workshare
to produce the missile - creating good jobs in the UK. Working
with the US and Australia, the programme aligns strongly with
AUKUS Pillar 2.
The UK remains firmly committed to the Deep Precision Strike and
European Long Range Strike Approach with European partners,
including Germany. PrSM will be a complementary capability
available immediately and does not replace longer-term
collaborative programmes.
