New Delhi: As the joint operation of the US and Israel against Iran enters a high-intensity phase, the Pentagon has unveiled its new deep strike precision weapon called Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).
Releasing visuals that showcase the PrSM’s performance, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on X, “In a historic first, long-range Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) were used in combat during Operation Epic Fury, providing an unrivaled deep strike capability.”
The post also quoted CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper as saying, “I just could not be prouder of our men and women in uniform leveraging innovation to create dilemmas for the enemy.”
The operational debut of PrSM comes two years after it entered service, underlining US tactics of engagement with high-value targets. During the joint operation in Iran, Washington has targeted the Iranian command and control facilities, missile bases, and air defence systems.
In a historic first, long-range Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) were used in combat during Operation Epic Fury, providing an unrivaled deep strike capability.
“I just could not be prouder of our men and women in uniform leveraging innovation to create dilemmas for the enemy.”… pic.twitter.com/bydvIv5Tn5
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 4, 2026
What is PrSM?
Developed by defence and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, PrSM is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile that replaces the aging Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) which was inducted into the US Armed Forces in 1991. PrSM was designed under the Army’s Long Range Precision Fires initiative which focused on modernising artillery to defeat sophisticated enemy Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) networks.
Unlike cruise missiles that fly at a low altitude at constant power, the PrSM follows a ballistic trajectory, with a rocket boost at launch to help attain high altitude before descending at extreme speed on target.
PrSM can be launched from existing mobile platforms, including the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This provides ‘shoot-and-scoot’ capability to US forces so they can relocate to avoid a retaliatory strike.
Due to the slender design of PrSM, each launch pod can hold two missiles, compared to the ATACMS pods that could only hold a single missile. This effectively doubles the firepower of these missiles, a crucial factor in high-intensity conflict.
Reach and survivability
The primary upgrade of PrSM is a significant departure from the older ATACMS, with a baseline reach of 500 km compared to approximately 300 km for the older missile. The PrSM’s range can be stretched up to 1,000 km, thus further expanding the deep-strike capabilities of land-based units.
Speed is another box the PrSM ticks, making it that much harder for enemy air defences to intercept it compared to ordinary subsonic cruise missiles like the Tomahawk. The high speed also allows these missiles to penetrate deeper, making them more effective in targeting Iran’s underground military infrastructure.
The use of PrSM in the operation Epic Fury is viewed as a strategic signal beyond the West Asia region. This new weapon could enable Washington to reconfigure its strategy in the Pacific, where land-based launch points are limited, and the ability to strike from a long distance becomes vital.
Due to the flexibility in the integration of PrSM with other land-based units like HIMARS, the US can now engage high-value and time-sensitive targets through mobile launchers with fewer or possibly no extended aircraft sorties.
(Edited by Nardeep Singh Dahiya)
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