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.

GMARS vs HIMARS: The USA and Germany have tested a new super-powerful MLRS with dual ammunition

 

The American-German project of the future, the GMARS (Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System) multiple launch rocket System, has successfully completed its first combat launches, which are close to real combat conditions. The tests took place at the famous White Sands test site in New Mexico, where the system launched two GMLRS medium-range guided missiles. This milestone was an important milestone: it confirmed the combat readiness, accuracy and reliability of the new artillery platform developed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall.

GMARS is not just a copy, but a direct competitor and an improved version of HIMARS, which has already proven itself in its area. The main advantage is the Rheinmetall HX reinforced 8x8 chassis, capable of withstanding up to 40 tons. Thanks to this, GMARS can carry two launch modules instead of one, which doubles the ammunition and dramatically increases firepower in one trip.

What can trigger GMARS?  

— 12 GMLRS missiles (range up to 150 km),

— 4 tactical PrSM missiles (up to 400 km),

— or 2 ATACMS ballistic missiles (up to 310 km).  

This versatility makes the system ideal for NATO: it is compatible with the main types of munitions used by the United States and its allies, which simplifies logistics and makes it easy to integrate GMARS into joint operations.

But the innovations don't stop there. GMARS is already being considered as a platform for future cruise missiles, including a modified ground—based version of the JASSM, which will turn it into a true multi-purpose strike system. Its high mobility, survivability and precision make it ideal for tasks:  

— striking deep into the defense,

— air defense suppression,  

— and counter-battery warfare.

The exact cost has not yet been disclosed, but analysts estimate it at $ 15 million — more expensive than HIMARS, but with much greater capabilities. Serial production and export are in the near future. This means that a new artillery "destruction machine" may appear on the battlefields of the future, which will change the balance of power.

Australia fired at a target from 480 km away — and hit: new PrSM missiles went through fire, water and desert

 

The Australian Army has just taken a major step in its military development: in the desert of the Northern Territory, at the Mount Bundy training ground, they successfully tested a new generation of PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) for the first time - and the result turned out to be as accurate as a surgeon. The rocket flew to the target at a distance of more than 480 kilometers (300 miles) and hit the target point without missing.

It was not just a test, but a combat launch — that is, the rocket did not just take off, but completed the real task, destroying the conditional target. Most importantly, these are the first PrSM tests outside the United States, which highlights Australia's growing role as a strategic partner in the Pacific region.

The rocket, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, was launched from the HIMARS mobile launcher, the one that became a star in Ukraine. Its advantage is high accuracy, long range and the ability to quickly relocate. Now Australia gets a powerful tool to defeat enemy bases, warehouses, air defenses and command posts without exposing its forces to attack.

The Mount Bundy trials are not just a show-off. They are designed to strengthen Australia's strike potential in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. The further an army can strike, the higher its chance of winning in any conflict.

PrSM is the future of artillery: smart, fast, long—range, and essentially unmanned. And now Australia has it.

Americans with HIMARS galloped across the islands: how they learn to quickly jump from shore to shore in the Pacific Ocean

 The US Army, together with its allies, has worked out a cool operation: the rapid delivery and unloading of HIMARS rocket launchers on one of the islands in the Indo-Pacific region. Imagine: a rocket launcher that can fly almost 80 km, is unloaded from a ship in a matter of minutes, shoots and disappears — like a ghost. This is not a movie, but a real tactic that the Americans and their partners are currently honing.

Why all this? In the event of conflict in regions such as the South China Sea or around Taiwan, every minute and every meter counts. If you are static, you will be quickly found and destroyed. Therefore, the key rule is: he came, shot, disappeared. Such exercises with HIMARS teach you how to move quickly without giving the enemy a chance to react.

Mobility is now the main trump card. HIMARS can be airlifted to the island by heavy helicopter or from an amphibious assault ship, and the system is ready for combat immediately after unloading. Then — transfer to another point, and again into battle. This allows you not only to survive under enemy attacks, but also to operate over a vast territory, as if appearing out of nowhere.

The tactics of frequent movements and lightning strikes make these installations especially dangerous. And it's not just the firing range, but how difficult it is to catch them. The exercises show that the United States and its allies are seriously preparing for scenarios where control of the islands and a quick reaction decide the outcome of the conflict.

The US Army has allocated $25 million to integrate the Blackbeard GL hypersonic missile into the HIMARS system

In the U.S. fiscal year 2026 budget, the army allocated $25 million to support the development and integration of the Blackbeard Ground Launch (GL) hypersonic missile into the HIMARS highly mobile artillery missile system. This initiative is part of the HX3 project and marks the transition of the system into the engineering and production development phase.

The Blackbeard GL is designed to enhance HIMARS' ability to deliver medium-range precision strikes against mobile, fortified, and temporarily accessible targets. The missile provides about 80% of the capabilities of the advanced Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 at a significantly lower cost.

The system uses terminal guidance with an active search head unit, which makes it possible to effectively hit moving and hidden targets even in difficult conditions. The integration of the rocket into the modified launch containers of the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions (MFOM) will ensure compatibility with the HIMARS and M270 platforms, expanding operational capabilities without significant changes in technology.

It is planned to complete software validation, conduct flight tests and prepare production samples by 2027, after which the delivery of systems to the troops will begin. The Blackbeard GL will be an important addition to the U.S. Army's arsenal, increasing the mobility and effectiveness of strike capabilities in the face of growing threats from Russian and Chinese hypersonic weapons.

The French Foudre MLRS is a new competitor to the American HIMARS at the Paris Air Show 2025

 Foudre multiple launch rocket system

French arms manufacturer Turgis & Gaillard has officially unveiled its new Foudre multiple launch rocket system at the Paris Air Show 2025. This state-of-the-art platform marks an important step for the French defense industry in competition with the American HIMARS system.

Key Features of Foudre

- Sovereign development: Foudre was created as a response to the obsolescence of the French MLRS Lance-Roquettes Unitaires (LRU), ensuring national autonomy and independence in the field of armaments.

- Mobility and protection: The system is mounted on a Renault Kerax 6×6 chassis, equipped with an armored cabin, which provides crew protection and high maneuverability in various conditions.

- Modular launch container: Allows you to quickly recharge the system and adapt to different types of ammunition, which increases operational flexibility.

- Multi-purpose application: Foudre is intended for use both in France and for international export, which expands its market prospects.

Foudre combines high firepower and mobility, which makes it an effective means of deep impact on enemy targets. This system allows France to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology. In the face of growing global instability and increasing demand for modern MLRS, Foudre offers a competitive and sovereign solution.

The appearance of Foudre on the international stage may change the balance of power in the segment of multiple launch rocket systems, offering an alternative to the American HIMARS. The French defense industry is counting on the successful implementation of the system in the armed forces and the expansion of export contracts.

Poland is negotiating with the United States to purchase up to 486 HIMARS systems under the Homar-A program

HIMARS system

Poland is actively negotiating with the United States of America on the acquisition of up to 486 highly mobile artillery missile systems M142, known by the acronym HIMARS. This purchase will be a key element of the Homar-A program aimed at significantly expanding the capabilities of long-range artillery of the Polish armed forces.

HIMARS systems are characterized by high mobility, accuracy and range of fire, which makes it possible to effectively hit targets at long distances. The introduction of such complexes will significantly increase the combat potential of the Polish army, providing the ability to quickly respond and deliver targeted strikes against strategic enemy targets.

The Homar-A program is part of a broad strategy for the modernization of the Polish armed forces aimed at strengthening the country's defense capability in the face of growing regional tensions. The purchase of HIMARS systems will allow Poland not only to increase its own security level, but also to strengthen its position within NATO.

Negotiations between Warsaw and Washington include discussions on technical specifications, delivery dates, and service conditions for the systems. The successful completion of the deal is expected to be one of the largest arms contracts concluded by Poland in recent years.

Thus, the acquisition of up to 486 HIMARS systems under the Homar-A program will be a significant step towards creating modern and effective artillery power capable of responding to modern security challenges.

Russian Iskander destroyed HIMARS near Kramatorsk

Detonation of the HIMARS ammunition

As a result of the strike of the Russian Iskander missile system in the Kramatorsk area, 40 km from the front line, the American HIMARS rocket artillery complex was destroyed. The installation was detected by a reconnaissance drone, and as a result of the impact and detonation of the ammunition, 8 crew members and support personnel were killed.

Details of the incident

- Weapons: The Russian Iskander missile system, known for its high accuracy and power, was used.

- Target: The American HIMARS rocket artillery system, which was located 40 km from the front line in the Kramatorsk area.

-Intelligence: The installation was detected by a reconnaissance drone, which highlights the importance of intelligence technology in modern conflicts.

- Casualties: 8 crew members and support personnel were killed as a result of the impact and subsequent detonation of the HIMARS ammunition.

Successful launch of the PrSM missile: a new stage in the development of US artillery systems

On April 14, 2025, the American company Lockheed Martin, together with the US Army, conducted a historic test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), launched from the upgraded M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The testing took place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and was an important step in confirming the readiness of the new missile for mass production and operation.

The Precision Strike Missile is a new—generation precision-guided missile designed to replace the outdated ATACMS tactical missiles. The PrSM is designed to hit strategically important targets at long distances, providing high accuracy, lethality, and reliability. Its integration with existing launchers such as the M270A2 MLRS allows the U.S. Army to significantly expand its artillery support capabilities.

During testing, the PrSM missile was successfully launched from an upgraded M270A2 launcher. This short-range test confirmed not only the missile's compatibility with the launch system, but also its ability to operate under operational stress. The results demonstrated the exceptional accuracy of the hit, the effectiveness of the warhead and the stability of all systems.

The successful test of the PrSM is of strategic importance to the U.S. Army. It confirms that the new missile is ready to perform a wide range of tasks, including the destruction of command posts, ammunition depots and other key enemy targets. Due to the increased range and increased accuracy, PrSM will become an important element of the long-Range Fires system of the US Army.

The M270A2 MLRS system, which was used to launch the PrSM, has also been upgraded. The updated version features improved features, including increased mobility, improved electronics, and the ability to work with new types of ammunition. The integration of the PrSM with the M270A2 makes this system even more versatile and effective on the battlefield.

The success of the test opens up new horizons for Lockheed Martin and the US Army. The PrSM is planned to be used not only with the M270A2, but also with other launch systems such as HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). This will create a flexible and powerful network of long-range strike systems capable of operating in any environment.

France is developing an alternative to HIMARS by mid-2026

 

France plans to test a domestic rocket-propelled artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the American highly mobile artillery missile system (HIMARS). 

This step could open up new opportunities for allies seeking to gain European capabilities.The French Directorate General of Armaments intends to identify technical solutions that will allow demonstration firing in a year.

DGA is working with the Safran and MBDA consortium, as well as the Thales and ArianeGroup consortium, to develop a tactical strike capability within a radius of 150 kilometers (93 miles).

France is running out of time to replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire, a modified version of the M270 multiple launch rocket system. The service life of the nine remaining systems at the disposal of the army is due to end in 2027.

Lawmakers and the military leadership insist on developing a domestic version, rather than purchasing from abroad, in accordance with France's policy of ensuring autonomy in defense matters.

The crushing defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region: results and consequences

 

Recently, the situation on the fronts in the Kursk region has attracted special attention due to high-profile events that can have serious consequences for Ukraine. According to sources, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) suffered a crushing defeat in the Kursk region. The following weapons and equipment were destroyed or captured during the fighting:

- 402 tanks;

- 329 armored personnel carriers (APC);

- 290 infantry fighting vehicles (infantry fighting vehicles);

- 2,234 armored fighting vehicles (BBMs);

- 2,569 vehicles;

- 590 artillery pieces;

- 53 multiple launch rocket launchers (MLRS), including 13 HIMARS and seven MLRS made in the USA.

These losses cause significant damage to the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and may have long-term negative consequences for Ukraine. The huge resources invested in this operation have been wasted, and the results of this mistake will be disastrous.

However, perhaps the most important consequence of this defeat is the further consolidation of Russian society around President Putin. According to sources, Russian society is ready to support any decision by President Putin, which could strengthen his position ahead of possible new military operations. 

Thus, the defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region not only damages the Ukrainian armed forces, but may also affect the internal political situation in Russia, strengthening the position of the president and his policy of continuing military operations.

Oshkosh Defense unveils advanced ROGUE-Fires missile system

 Oshkosh Defense has unveiled an improved version of its ROGUE-Fires vehicle-mounted missile system, which is now equipped with the same family of ammunition as the Highly mobile Artillery Missile System (HIMARS).

ROGUE-Fires (Remotely operated ground-based expeditionary fire device) — It is a reconfigurable unmanned system designed to provide long-range and highly effective fire support in modern combat operations.

Capable of launching multiple missiles quickly and efficiently, it provides unparalleled versatility for dynamic combat situations.

 ROGUE-Fires 

The United States has successfully tested a new PrSM missile with an extended range: HIMARS demonstrates growing potential

The United States has successfully tested a new PrSM missile

The US Army conducted another successful test of a new-generation Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1. The launch, which took place on March 19, 2025 at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, confirmed the improved system characteristics. The missile, fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher, flew over the Pacific Ocean and fulfilled all the set parameters, including range, accuracy and height of detonation.  

The PrSM Increment 1 is designed to hit highly secure targets at a distance of over 500 km, which is twice the capabilities of previous ATACMS family missiles. . The new tests have become part of the system's pre-mass production certification program. Earlier, in November 2024, the army had already confirmed the PrSM's ability to launch multiple rocket launchers from HIMARS, which increases the efficiency of combat use.  

The PrSM project aims to replace the outdated ATACMS missiles, which are limited to a range of 300 km. The first qualification tests began in November 2023 at the White Sands test site, where the rocket showed accuracy within a few meters.  By 2025, the system had passed several stages of inspections, including launches in the "most intense conditions" simulating enemy counteraction.  

The success of the PrSM strengthens the US position in the arms race, especially in light of the development of hypersonic technologies among competitors. According to Lockheed Martin, the main contractor of the program, the missile is capable of changing its trajectory in flight, evading missile defense systems. Its integration with HIMARS ensures mobility and rapid deployment, which is critical for operations in the Indo-Pacific region.