The test took place at the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory and marked the first time the Australian Army fired a PrSM from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). It was witnessed by Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and United States Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll.
The PrSM acquisition aligns with the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which prioritises optimisation of the Army for littoral manoeuvre and strengthening long-range capabilities. Notably, the missile test occurred two years ahead of schedule, following the early delivery of the first PrSM and HIMARS systems.
The achievement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Australia and the United States earlier this year, covering production, sustainment, and continued development of the PrSM. Negotiations on domestic manufacturing and maintenance options are expected to begin later this year.
Future upgrades to the missile are planned to extend its range to over 1,000 kilometres, and to integrate improved sensors and advanced warheads. As co-development partners, Australia and the United States will continue to evolve the PrSM to maintain a leading military edge.
Minister Pat Conroy described the launch as “another example of the Albanese Government accelerating long-range strike capabilities for the ADF,” highlighting the successful testing of multiple missile systems over the past year. “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,” he said.
