The £190 million investment in the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) programme is set to revolutionise the British Army's ability to engage enemy systems from a distance, catapulting its long-range strike capabilities into a new era. This strategic acquisition, backed by the Government’s £298 billion Defence Investment Plan, will grant the Army the power to target threats up to 500 kilometres away, thereby significantly bolstering NATO's collective defence posture.
The PrSM, a proven supersonic ballistic missile manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is designed for seamless integration with the UK's existing upgraded M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers. This compatibility will save on additional vehicle modifications, streamlining its incorporation into the Army's arsenal. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP underscored the importance of equipping British soldiers with cutting-edge capabilities to defend the nation and NATO allies in an increasingly turbulent global landscape.
The UK's entry into the PrSM programme signifies a significant step forward in collaboration between the US, Australia, and the UK, mirroring the AUKUS security pact's Pillar 2 goals. This partnership has far-reaching implications, encompassing opportunities for joint development and workshare in missile production, potentially generating skilled jobs within the UK.
The acquisition of PrSM will grant the British Army a vital deep surface-to-surface ballistic missile capability, complementing other existing and planned long-range assets, such as One Way Effector (OWE) drones and ground-launched cruise missiles. This diverse array of precision strike options is essential for modern defence and deterrence within the NATO framework.
Subject to final agreements with the US and Australia, the UK anticipates receiving its first deliveries of the PrSM in 2027. This timeline follows recent NATO Defence Ministers meetings, where cooperation and deterrence were prominent topics. Defence Secretary Jarvis met with his US counterpart, Secretary of War Hegseth, during this period to discuss defence partnerships.