Lockheed Martin has received a US Army contract to develop a future precision strike missile to strike targets more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away.
Called the Long-Range Maneuverable Fires missile, the program will become the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) increment 4, being fired from existing army launchers to defeat distant threats.
According to the American defense firm, the new weapon system will give soldiers a decisive edge on the battlefield by extending their reach.
“With half a century of expertise integrating advanced propulsion systems and supporting the Army’s precision fires ecosystem, we are ready to develop a solution that significantly extends PrSM’s range,” Lockheed Vice President Steven Botwinik said.
The first phase of the program will focus on missile system design and risk reduction.
The company will employ unique design elements and critical technologies to address size and endurance challenges.
Raytheon, Northrop Also Contracted
Raytheon Missiles & Defense announced Monday that it was also awarded a contract to advance its design for the US Army’s Long-Range Maneuverable Fires missile.
The company will team with Northrop Grumman to mature an innovative design of its propulsion technology to enable extended range.
The defense firms will also provide enhancements in survivability and lethality.
Raytheon and Northrop plan to start the program’s first phase by building and testing the propulsion subsystem for DeepStrike-ER, an advanced solution that allows missiles to achieve desired range and effectiveness against next-generation threats.
“Our mission-tailored solution will include advanced propulsion technology and key components designed to increase capacity within the launch system and achieve optimal range extension,” Northrop Vice President Jim Kalberer said.