Breaking News: Australian Army conducts first live fire of new U.S. PrSM missile from HIMARS rocket launcher.

According to information published by the Australian Ministry of Defence on July 25, 2025, the Australian Army has successfully conducted its first-ever live firing of a Lockheed Martin Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory. This launch, executed by the 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, marks the first operational PrSM firing by a military force outside the United States and represents a significant milestone in Australia’s development of long-range precision strike capabilities.
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Australian Army HIMARS rocket launcher from 14th Regiment fires for the first time Precision Strike Missile during Talisman Sabre 2025 at Mount Bundey Training Area in Northern Australia.  (Picture source: Australia MoD)

The PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) is the U.S. Army’s next-generation surface-to-surface missile system, designed to replace the legacy ATACMS missile. Capable of delivering pinpoint accuracy at ranges beyond 400 kilometers, with future variants expected to exceed 500 kilometers, the PrSM offers rapid-response strike potential against high-value targets such as integrated air defenses, command nodes, and logistics hubs. It is launched from existing platforms, including the HIMARS wheeled rocket launcher system and the M270 tracked rocket launcher system, allowing seamless integration into current force structures.

The event comes just four months after the Albanese Government confirmed the arrival of the first HIMARS launchers in Australia. On March 24, 2025, the Australian Ministry of Defence announced the delivery of the first two HIMARS systems from the United States, less than two years after the government allocated $1.6 billion for their accelerated acquisition in response to the 2023 Defence Strategic Review. These systems are the initial units in a total order of 42 launchers that will form the backbone of Australia’s future land-based strike capability.

The HIMARS, or High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, is a lightweight, wheeled multiple launch rocket system developed by Lockheed Martin. Mounted on a 5-ton 6x6 chassis, HIMARS carries one pod that can launch either six Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets or one larger tactical missile such as the PrSM. GMLRS rockets have a range of approximately 70 to 90 kilometers and are used for precise attacks on medium-range targets, while PrSM significantly extends the system's reach beyond 400 kilometers. HIMARS can be rapidly deployed by C-130 aircraft, is fully digitally networked for integration with joint command systems, and can be operated by a small crew, offering high mobility and survivability on the battlefield.

The HIMARS and PrSM missile combination is regarded as a game changer for the Australian Defence Force. Together, they provide a scalable and lethal precision fires solution capable of engaging targets at extended ranges with minimal deployment time. The systems are now under the command of the newly established 10th Fires Brigade, headquartered in Adelaide, which was created as part of the Army’s force restructuring to support long-range strike and air defense capabilities. The 14th Regiment, as a subordinate unit of this brigade, has taken the lead in integrating HIMARS and conducting live-fire missions.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which involves more than 35,000 personnel from 19 countries, provided the ideal platform for Australia to showcase its new precision strike assets in a multinational and joint operational context. The PrSM firing demonstrated not only Australia’s technical readiness but also the enhanced interoperability with the United States and other key allies under frameworks such as AUKUS. Senior military leaders from participating nations were present to observe the launch, which underscored Australia’s growing role in Indo-Pacific security.

In addition to acquiring HIMARS, the Albanese Government has committed to supporting local defense industry by investing in domestic guided missile manufacturing. Construction of a facility capable of producing HIMARS-compatible munitions is already underway, with PrSM identified as a key candidate for Australian production under the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise. This initiative is expected to create new jobs and strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability in the field of advanced weapons.

The successful PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) launch by the Australian Army's HIMARS rocket launcher not only demonstrates rapid capability acquisition but also reflects a strategic shift in national defense posture. With long-range strike now operational, Australia has joined a select group of countries capable of projecting precision land-based fires across extended distances, reinforcing its deterrence posture and regional security contributions.