The Australian Government has approved a significant expansion of the Australian Army’s long-range strike capability, selecting the M142 HIMARS and the Precision Strike Missile under a AUD2.3 billion (USD1.5 billion) investment over the next decade. The programme includes the establishment of a second long-range fires regiment at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct, reinforcing Australia’s force posture in the southern part of the continent. The decision follows a competitive evaluation process conducted by the Australian Department of Defence and aligns with the priorities outlined in the 2026 National Defence Strategy. The strategy identifies long-range land-based fires as a critical capability requirement for the Australian Defence Force, particularly in the context of deterrence and regional security dynamics. According to Australian Defence Force, the second regiment will substantially enhance the ADF’s ability to engage targets at distances of up to 500 km using PrSM, with planned future increments extending engagement ranges beyond 1,000 km. This expanded reach is expected to improve Australia’s capacity to conduct precision strike operations across its northern approaches and support coalition operations alongside allied forces.
“To defend Australia, our Army needs a stronger long-range strike capability – and we’re delivering it. The Albanese Government is investing up to $37 billion over the next decade on targeting and long-range strike capabilities for the ADF. 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.
“This is a decisive investment in Australia’s long‑range strike capability that will bolster our Defence Force and help keep Australians safe. This capability delivers on the National Defence Strategy direction to accelerate and expand the acquisition of land-based long-range fires to provide the ADF with a deployable strike capability to protect Australia’s northern approaches and contribute to sea control and sea denial. This is another significant milestone as the Albanese Government continues to invest in an integrated, focused force that meets our strategic circumstances,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles.
The procurement builds on the Army’s existing HIMARS capability, already fielded under its first long-range fires regiment. The system was operationally demonstrated during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, where an Australian launcher successfully fired a PrSM round ahead of the original schedule. The second regiment is intended to complement this capability by providing a highly mobile and rapidly deployable strike asset consistent with evolving operational requirements. In parallel with capability acquisition, the government is advancing efforts to establish a sovereign guided weapons manufacturing base. This includes domestic production of munitions compatible with HIMARS, notably the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System. Defence confirmed that an Australian-produced GMLRS round was recently test-fired from a local HIMARS platform, marking a milestone in the development of national industrial capacity. Australia is also progressing cooperative development initiatives with the United States on the PrSM programme, aimed at enabling future domestic production. Both GMLRS and PrSM are expected to incorporate Australian industry participation across supply chains, including locally manufactured components and sub-systems.
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is a light multiple rocket launcher developed in the late 1990s for the United States Army and mounted on a standard U.S. Army Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) M1140 truck frame. The HIMARS carries one pod with either six Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rockets or one ATACMS missile. It is based on the U.S. Army’s FMTV five-ton truck, and is capable of launching all rockets in the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions. HIMARS ammunition pods are interchangeable with the M270 MLRS. It has a single pod, as opposed to the standard two for the M270 and its variants. The launcher can be transported by C-17 Globemaster, C-5 Galaxy, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft. The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM; PRI-zim) is a series of ballistic missiles, both short- and later medium-range developed by Lockheed Martin to replace the MGM-140 ATACMS. The early variant of this missile, Increment One, is currently in service with both the United States Army and Australian Army, with Australia being a partner in the program.
