New missile for truck-based Himars launchers has China in its sights

The new weapon, called the precision strike missile, was launched Friday at a demonstration in Australia

- Mike Cherney

The truck-based missile launchers known as Himars have transformed the battlefield in Ukraine, helping Kyiv blunt Russia's advance due to their mobility, ability to hide and the precision rockets they can fire.

Now, the decades-old High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is getting an upgrade that could be crucial in another potential conflict—one with China.

The upgrade comes in the form of a longer-range missile that will eventually be able to hit moving targets at sea, making it easier for the U.S. and its allies to control key waterways if there is a fight over Taiwan.

China has pledged to take the island, by force if necessary.

The new weapon, called the precision strike missile, or PrSM, was launched Friday at a demonstration in Australia, marking the first time it was fired by a U.S. ally.

It will be able to hit targets about 310 miles away—compared with a range of about 190 miles for the older ATACMS missile, or Army Tactical Missile System, that it is replacing—and is a critical milestone for the U.S. as it seeks to improve the Himars.

Each launch pod will be able to hold two PrSM missiles, compared with just one ATACMS.

The ATACMS is also more susceptible to jamming, said Alex Miller, the U.S. Army's chief technology officer.

In the Pacific, Himars deployed to islands could strike enemy ships from afar.

That would complicate any effort by China to send an invasion force across the Taiwan Strait, or to blockade the island with its huge navy.

"If you look at the way conflict is unfolding now, what is not being rewarded is large, massive presences with static locations and big footprints and signatures," said U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who watched the missile launch in Australia.

"What is being rewarded is the ability to be agile, hide your signature and move quickly."