Australia Fires Precision Strike Missile from HIMARS for First Time

Australia has conducted its first-ever test firing of a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), marking a major step in accelerating the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) long-range strike capability.

The test took place today at the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory.

This is the first time the Australian Army has fired a PrSM from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), showcasing a rapid boost in land-based strike potential. The missile has a range exceeding 500 kilometres, and future upgrades are expected to more than double this range.

The PrSM is a central part of the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which calls for Army transformation focused on littoral manoeuvre and long-range strike. The missile’s test today was conducted two years ahead of schedule, following the early delivery of both the PrSM and HIMARS system.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll attended the launch.

“This successful launch is a significant milestone in the Government’s plan to deliver a twenty-five-fold increase to Army’s long-range strike capability,” said Conroy.

Australia and the U.S., as co-development partners, signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year for PrSM production, sustainment and follow-on development. Negotiations are expected to begin later this year on domestic manufacturing and maintenance options in Australia.

Future enhancements to the missile system will aim to extend its range beyond 1,000 kilometres and incorporate advanced sensors and new warheads.