The PrSM, in American service since 2023, is intended to replace the ATACMS—but the ATACMS is still one of the best ground-to-ground missiles on the planet.

The British Army will soon add a powerful rocket artillery missile to its arsenal. 

The United Kingdom announced this week that it would join the American-led Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program, adding the highly advanced ballistic missile to its stocks beginning in 2027. 

Why Does the UK Want the PrSM Missile?

The UK made the announcement of its participation in the program—alongside the United States and Australia, the two current developers—on the sidelines of the recent NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7–8.

The PrSM is a ground-launched short-range ballistic missile. It has an unclassified range of approximately 250 miles and carries a 200-pound warhead. The munition can be deployed by the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). 

“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,” the UK government said of the addition of the PrSM to the British Army’s arsenal, according to a Ministry of Defence (MoD) media release.

It is as yet unclear how much the UK’s participation in the PrSM program will cost. London has vowed to commit £190 million ($255 million) to the program to begin with, which comes as part of its massive £298 billion ($387 billion) defense spending program over the next four years. However, this is unlikely to cover the full cost of the program, and additional investments may be needed in the years ahead.

“I am absolutely determined to give our soldiers the weapons they need as they defend our nation and NATO,” British Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said. 

Unlike some other programs the MoD has recently invested in—notably the GCAP sixth-generation fighter jet—the PrSM munition is a relatively safe prospect. It already exists, having first entered service with the US Army in 2023. The British Army could receive the first of its missiles by next year.

“This new investment into a precision strike missile will help to strengthen our Army and our security at this increasingly dangerous time,” Jarvis said. “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.”

The PrSM was spearheaded by the United States, with input from Australia. It was intended to replace the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile (ATACMS), a Cold War-era tactical ballistic missile that can be fired by the M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS. 

However, even though the PrSM is designed to replace the MGM-140 ATACMS, the old missile is very far from retirement. Indeed, Lockheed Martin announced a partnership with Rheinmetall this week for the co-production of the ATACMS in Germany.  

NATO, as a whole, is investing in its long-range strike capabilities with an eye toward a conflict with Russia on the European continent.

The First Use of the PrSM: Against Iran This Year

The US Army used the PrSM for the first time against Iran during the recent Operation Epic Fury against Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage that showed an M142 HIMARS launcher in an unspecified Gulf country deploying a PrSM missile against Iranian targets. 

The war in Ukraine has showcased the effectiveness of rocket artillery. Even as drones and artillery have defined the battlefield, both Russia and Ukraine have relied on rocket artillery systems for long-range strikes. However, Western-supplied Ukrainian systems, notably the ATACMS and the British-origin Storm Shadow missile, are far better than their Russian counterparts. Ukraine has used the missiles to great effect against Russia’s ground forces, striking high-value targets like troop concentrations, command and control centers, air defense sites, and transportation infrastructure.

The addition of the PrSM to the British Army will increase NATO’s and Europe’s combat capabilities and deterrence.

About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou  

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a JD from Boston College Law School. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

The post Why Did the UK Decide to Buy the ‘PrSM’ Missile? appeared first on The National Interest.