The US is about to test the PrSM Increment 4 missile with a range of over 1,000km for HIMARS.

Lockheed Martin announced it will conduct tests of the Increment 4 Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) this fall. This is a significant step in efforts to enhance the long-range strike capabilities of the U.S. Army's existing High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and M270 multiple rocket launcher systems.

Next-generation ramjet engine technology

The PrSM Increment 4's achievement of a range exceeding 1,000 km is thanks to advances in propulsion system research. This system combines a traditional solid-fuel engine with a ramjet engine. In recent tests, the system demonstrated the ability to reliably switch from propulsion to ramjet mode directly on the test platform.

This advanced architecture allows the missile to maintain high speed and long range without changing its physical size. Notably, the PrSM Increment 4 is fully compatible with HIMARS and M270 launchers, enabling the military to conduct precision strikes at strategic distances without investing in new launcher systems or altering logistical processes.

A perfect replacement for the ATACMS missile family.

The PrSM missile series is designed to completely replace the ATACMS in the U.S. Army's arsenal. At 4 meters long and 430 mm in diameter, the PrSM is only half the size of the ATACMS, allowing the HIMARS or M270A2 MLRS launchers to carry twice the number of missiles in the same space.

Although the PrSM warhead weighs only 91 kg (significantly smaller than the ATACMS), Lockheed Martin asserts that its extremely high accuracy will compensate for the warhead's size, ensuring effective target destruction. The development of the PrSM followed an "increment" strategy to gradually integrate advanced technologies.

The development phases of the PrSM project:

• Increment 1:Equipped with an inertial navigation system and anti-jamming GPS, it has a range of 500km. Mass production has been underway since July 2025.
• Increment 2:It incorporates passive radio frequency and infrared seekers, optimized for attacking radar stations and warships. First tests are scheduled for March 2026.
• Increment 3:The focus is on diversifying warheads, including concrete-piercing rounds, cluster munitions, and potentially integrating cruise missiles.
• Increment 4:The firing range has been increased to over 1,000km thanks to new propulsion technology.
• Increment 5:Research into the feasibility of deploying missiles from autonomous unmanned platforms.

According to plans announced in the fall of 2025, Lockheed Martin aims to produce approximately 400 PrSM ballistic missiles annually to meet modern warfare needs.