PrSM Increment 2 anti-ship missiles will become a threat to Chinese ships off Taiwan

One of the key elements of the modernization of the M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS launchers in the coming years will be the integration of a new generation of anti-ship operational and tactical ballistic missiles — Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2. These missiles will be equipped with an active radar homing head (seeker) and will be able to hit naval targets at a range of more than 500 km.

This development of ground-based missile systems significantly expands the capabilities of US allies in the Western Pacific. In the event of an escalation of tensions, PrSM Increment 2 missiles could pose a serious threat to surface ships of the Chinese Navy, especially in the area of naval bases in Fujian Province and on routes leading to Taiwan. The ability to quickly transfer mobile launchers to the coast makes them elusive and highly maneuverable platforms for attacking naval targets.

In response to such a threat, the Chinese Navy plans to deploy its advanced Type 052D class destroyers equipped with fire control and air defense systems. These ships carry HHQ-9 naval anti-aircraft missile systems and are equipped with powerful multifunctional active phased array radar (AFAR) type 346A (also known as "Dragon Eye"). The radars operate in the S- and X-bands and have a high detection range: up to 420 km for targets with an effective reflective surface (EOP) of 3 m2 and up to 100 km for low—visibility targets with an EOP of 0.01 m2.

Type 052D destroyers can be used to cover amphibious and transport ships, providing them with protection from high-precision weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Their role will become especially important in scenarios involving possible operations near Taiwan, where air and sea control will determine the success of any mission.