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Raytheon and Northrop Grumman have been selected to advance the propulsion system for the US Army’s Long Range Maneuverable Fires program.
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The program aims to collaboratively develop Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 called DeepStrike-ER with advanced propulsion, extended range, survivability, and lethality, according to a Northrop Grumman announcement made on 27 March.
Both companies will co-design, build, and test the propulsion subsystem for the DeepStrike advanced missile solution to meet desired range and effectiveness for the US Army.
Raytheon land warfare and air defence president Tom Laliberty said the missile will offer improved capabilities over the Army Tactical Missile System.
“Our experience in developing the most sophisticated missile technologies in the world uniquely positions Raytheon to partner with the Army to address this high-priority modernisation program,” he said.
“This legacy, coupled with our creative partnerships to bring together proven technologies, enables us to deliver a superior solution that meets or exceeds the requirements for the critical long-range precision fires mission.”
Northrop Grumman missile products vice-president Jim Kalberer said the missile, being procured and developed in four increments, is designed for integration into currently fielded Army platforms.
“Northrop Grumman’s ongoing investment in new propulsion technologies and infrastructure support the growing need for efficient and effective missile systems,” he said.
“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.”
It’s expected the final product will become the next-generation weapon for the US Army’s future long-range precision strike missile, developed in collaboration with the Australian Defence Force.
The Australian Defence Force recently announced the acquisition of 20 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems made by Lockheed Martin, which can fire PrSM missiles. A HIMARS vehicle was also displayed at the recent Avalon Airshow in Victoria earlier this year.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control advanced programs, execution and transition, vice-president Steven Botwinik said Lockheed Martin will develop an advanced propulsion Long Range Maneuverable Fires missile which can be fired from existing Army launchers at distant threats.
“Lockheed Martin is partnering with the US Army to give soldiers a decisive edge on the battlefield by extending their reach,” he said.
“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.”
