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The Australian Government has selected Lockheed Martin’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), for Project Land 8113, investing $2.3 billion over the decade and delivering a second long‑range fires regiment at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia.
“A second long‑range fires regiment will significantly enhance the ADF’s ability to engage targets at ranges of up to 500kms, transforming to more than 1,000kms with future increments of PrSM,” said the Australian Government in its announcement.
“This will increase our capacity to respond effectively to contingencies in our region and work with our allies and partners.”
HIMARS systems are already in service with the Australian Army as part of the first long-range fires regiment. These launchers were used at Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, firing a PrSM two years earlier than planned. The second regiment will complement Army’s existing HIMARS capability, delivering a proven, highly mobile and lethal strike system aligned with Australia’s strategic and operational requirements.
The first Australian-made Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile was test-fired by an Australian HIMARS this month, and last year Australia and the United States established a cooperative program for PrSM to pave the way for future domestic production.
Both missiles will have Australian industry participation in their supply chains, including for locally manufactured components and sub-components.
“We’re already making missiles that can be fired from the HIMARS – and this decision will create even more demand for PrSM missiles within the Australian Army and deliver more opportunities for PrSM manufacture in Australia,” said Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy.
