PrSM, launched from HIMARS MLRS, as the successor of MGM-140 ATACMS tactical ballistic missile, made its combat debut during the strikes against Iran.
Images shared by CENTCOM regarding the strikes on Iran included a HIMARS MLRS firing the newly introduced PrSM ballistic missile. Another footage before the photo-presentation post also includes the MGM-140 ATACMS missiles that PrSM is gradually replacing.
PrSM was developed to succeed the MGM-140 ATACMS TBMs, with a longer range (500 km versus <300 km) and double capacity. The doubled capacity allows one HIMARS to carry two missiles, while an M270 with two pods can carry four.
The missile has a considerably lighter warhead weighing 91 kg, focusing on optimised fragmentation effect and improvements in accuracy, whereas the legacy ATACMS can carry a 213 kg HE-FRAG or 247 kg penetrating warhead.
Beyond its use as a lightweight SRBM for the US Army’s MLRS platforms, PrSM is being envisioned for other roles with future increments such as Increment 2 as an anti-ship ballistic missile or Increment 3 as a submunitions bus.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
