Australia has successfully carried out the first test launch of its newly acquired long-range missile system, firing a U.S.-built Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) from the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory.
The missile covered more than 300 kilometers in just over four minutes, reaching speeds of over 4,000 km/h before accurately striking its designated target. Launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), the test was conducted as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre and marks a significant milestone in the Australian Army’s modernization efforts.
The PrSM dramatically expands Australia’s ground-based strike capabilities—from a 30-kilometer reach with legacy systems to a new maximum range of 500 kilometers. The missile is designed for fast, precise engagement of high-value targets, delivering strategic impact with minimal collateral damage.
Speaking at a press conference following the launch, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy described the test as a defining moment. “This is about extending our deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and sending a clear message: any adversary should know we can strike back — this is how we prevent conflict, through credible strength,” he said.
The missile was delivered last month under a $310 million agreement with the U.S., which includes not only initial munitions but also options for future production and long-term maintenance support for Australian forces. According to Alex Miller, Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Army, the PrSM’s speed and precision drastically shorten reaction windows for adversaries. “Instead of 15 to 20 minutes to respond, they now have only six or seven,” he noted. “It’s not designed to destroy entire cities — but it will reach its target with certainty.”
The demonstration took place during the largest edition of Talisman Sabre since its inception in 2005. This year’s exercise involves more than 40,000 troops from 19 countries and includes live-fire, air combat, and naval operations—serving as a high-intensity readiness drill for coalition forces.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll spoke candidly about the strategic dimension of the launch. “President Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the entire Pentagon leadership have made it clear: our pacing threat is China,” he said. “We are shaping our Army to respond decisively to that challenge.”
General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, emphasized the importance of staying ahead in military innovation. “Our focus is on rapid transformation. Keeping pace with technological change is what keeps us awake at night,” he stated.
With the integration of PrSM, Australia joins a growing number of U.S. allies with access to high-precision, long-range strike systems. Beyond tactical advantage, this capability strengthens allied operational reach across the Indo-Pacific, allowing broader coverage with fewer deployed assets—a key factor in future coalition operations.
