The MRC batteries are designed to fill the gap between PrSM missiles for M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS, currently with a range of up to 499 km but planned to extend to 650–700 km or possibly 1,000 km. Their armament includes BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 multi-purpose missiles.
Extensive testing, including deployment abroad to locations such as the Philippines and Australia, highlighted the Typhon launcher’s large size, which complicates strategic transport. With the risk of conflict in the Pacific, the ability to move weaponry quickly is seen as essential for the U.S. and any supporting coalition partners.
Although considered an effective solution developed rapidly, Typhon is now under review for potential miniaturisation of its Tomahawk and SM-6 launchers. Analysts are also weighing alternatives, including the design of an entirely new launcher or adapting requirements in the Common Autonomous Multidomain Launcher (CAML) programme.
The heavy CAML-H version on an M1075 PLS chassis is intended to carry Tomahawk launchers, already providing “half” of Typhon’s capabilities. It could also serve as a carrier for the MIM-104 Patriot system if the option to launch SM-6 missiles were added, though this presents technical challenges.
In parallel, the U.S. Army is interested in a smaller unmanned launcher dedicated solely to Tomahawks. One example is the Long Range Fires launcher for the U.S. Marine Corps, equipped with a single transport-launch container on a modified JLTV tactical vehicle chassis.
