The British Army is expanding its long-range strike capabilities, following the UK government’s announcement that it would join the US Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program.
A total of 190 million pounds ($254 million) from the government’s 298-billion-pound ($398 billion) Defence Investment Plan has been allotted to procure the ballistic missiles, which can reach targets up to 500 kilometers (311 miles) away and with future upgrades potentially extending the range.
The Lockheed Martin-made PrSM is fully compatible with Britain’s upgraded M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers. The first upgraded MLRS was delivered to the UK in March 2026, and the final tranche is expected to arrive in 2029.
London could receive the first batch of PrSM deliveries by 2027, with the surface-to-surface missiles complementing the army’s one-way effector drone and ground-launched cruise missile capabilities.
Complementary Capability
As the PrSM program is a collaboration between the US and Australia, the UK’s addition supports the AUKUS security partnership between the three countries.
In particular, London’s investment in the PrSM aligns with AUKUS Pillar 2, centered on intelligence-sharing and integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum tech, and autonomous underwater vehicles.
The UK highlighted that it is acquiring the PrSM as a complementary capability.
The weapon will not replace similar collaborative programs, such as the long-range deep precision strike weapon — capable of reaching up to 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) — that London is developing with Germany.
In addition to the PrSM and deep precision strike weapon, the UK also teamed up with France and Italy to develop the Storm Shadow missile’s successor — the Stratus — to bolster the army’s long-range fires capabilities.
