UK joins Precision Strike Missile programme with £190m investment

The UK has joined the Lockheed Martin Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) programme with a £190 million investment, giving the British Army access to a next-generation long-range strike capability and making it the third international partner in a programme already involving the United States and Australia.

The investment, funded through the government’s £298 billion Defence Investment Plan, will enable the British Army to field the supersonic ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometres (310 miles) away.

The procurement will significantly extend the Army’s land-based strike capability and reinforce the UK’s contribution to NATO’s collective deterrence at a time when allied nations are placing greater emphasis on deep precision fires.

The missile will be integrated with the Army’s upgraded M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), allowing the capability to be introduced without modifications to the existing launcher fleet. Subject to agreement with the United States and Australia, the first deliveries could begin in 2027.

Precision Strike Missile significantly extends the British Army’s long-range strike capability

Developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Army, the Precision Strike Missile is designed to replace the ageing Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) with a faster, more accurate and longer-range weapon capable of engaging high-value targets deep inside contested territory.

The missile is capable of reaching supersonic speeds and striking targets at ranges of up to 500 kilometres, enabling commanders to attack logistics hubs, command centres, missile launchers and air defence systems well beyond the forward edge of the battlefield.

Future increments of the programme are expected to introduce additional capabilities, including increased range and the ability to engage moving maritime targets, ensuring the missile remains relevant against evolving operational threats.

Because the British Army has already upgraded its M270 launchers to the latest M270A2 configuration, the new missile can be introduced rapidly without the need for costly platform modifications, reducing both programme risk and integration timelines.

Procurement strengthens Britain’s growing portfolio of deep precision strike systems

The acquisition forms part of a wider effort to modernise the British Army’s long-range fires capability.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Precision Strike Missile will complement the Army’s emerging One Way Effector (OWE) drone capability and future ground-launched cruise missiles, creating a layered portfolio of precision strike systems capable of engaging targets across a broad range of operational scenarios.

The approach reflects lessons drawn from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where long-range precision weapons have played a decisive role in disrupting logistics networks, ammunition depots, command headquarters and critical infrastructure far behind the front line.

For NATO, expanding deep-strike capability has become an increasingly important element of deterrence, enabling allied forces to hold enemy assets at risk over much greater distances than previously possible.

Programme participation offers industrial opportunities beyond missile procurement

Beyond the immediate military capability, UK participation is also expected to create opportunities for British industry.

The Ministry of Defence said involvement in the programme will allow UK companies to contribute to future missile development and manufacturing while supporting skilled jobs through workshare arrangements with the United States and Australia.

The collaborative approach also aligns closely with AUKUS Pillar 2, which seeks to accelerate cooperation among the three nations on advanced defence technologies and capability development.

Rather than simply purchasing an off-the-shelf weapon, Britain will become part of the programme’s long-term evolution as future missile variants and capabilities are developed.

UK says PrSM complements rather than replaces European long-range missile initiatives

The government stressed that joining the Precision Strike Missile programme does not alter Britain’s commitment to longer-term European missile development efforts.

The UK said it remains committed to both the Deep Precision Strike programme and the European Long Range Strike Approach, including collaboration with Germany, describing the PrSM as an immediately available capability that complements future multinational projects rather than replacing them.

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the investment would provide British soldiers with the weapons needed to strengthen national security while reinforcing NATO’s deterrence posture. He also described the United States and Australia as vital defence partners and said the programme would be delivered alongside broader AUKUS cooperation.

Jarvis said: “I am absolutely determined to give our soldiers the weapons they need as they defend our nation and NATO. This new investment into a precision strike missile will help to strengthen our Army and our security at this increasingly dangerous time.

“The US and Australia are vital defence partners, and I am working with (US) Secretary (Pete) Hegseth and (Australian) Deputy Prime Minister (Richard) Marles to deliver this programme alongside AUKUS.”

By joining the Precision Strike Missile programme, the UK is extending the reach of its land forces while deepening defence industrial cooperation with two of its closest allies.

As NATO continues to adapt to an increasingly contested security environment, long-range precision fires are becoming one of the alliance’s most important operational capabilities, positioning the PrSM programme as a key component of Britain’s future land warfare strategy.