On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) released short video clips summarizing the first 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury, conducted against Iran. In one of the slides, a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) long-range ballistic missile can be seen being launched from an M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) multiple rocket launcher.
PrSM launch containers / Photos: CENTCOM
Although not officially confirmed by the military or the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, this appears to be the combat debut of the latest ballistic missile, which in the Increment 1 version began entering service with U.S. Army units in December 2023. The official range of the PrSM Increment 1 is over 400 km, although it was expected to be extended to 700 km following the expiration of the INF Treaty. The use of the new weapon system was first noted by defense analyst Colby Badhwar.
First 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury:
“The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” – Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander pic.twitter.com/McrC7xeM0A
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
An earlier video clip also shows the older MGM-140 ATACMS missiles.
The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed. pic.twitter.com/nNDoDexH6g
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
On March 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense signed a five-year framework contract worth 4.937 billion UD with Lockheed Martin for the production and delivery of another batch of this weapon. Earlier, 1,018 missiles had been ordered under the first framework agreement, which was amended four times, while plans called for the acquisition of at least 3,986 missiles in the discussed version. Work is currently ongoing.
In recent months, a series of tests has been conducted, both from the M142 HIMARS launcher and the upgraded M270A2 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System).
At the same time, work is underway on the PrSM Increment 4 variant, which will receive the separate designation LRMF and a range of up to 1,000 km (previously known as PrSM-ER – Extended Range), as well as on a new anti-ship version designated LBASM (Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile). The first test of the latter was conducted on June 16, 2024, during the SINKEX episode of the Valiant Shield 24 exercise in the Pacific Ocean, using a prototype unmanned autonomous missile launcher AML. PrSM missiles have so far been exported only to Australia (a sale to Norway was refused).
UPDATE
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, CENTCOM officially confirmed the combat debut of the PrSM missiles.
In a historic first, long-range Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) were used in combat during Operation Epic Fury, providing an unrivaled deep strike capability.
“I just could not be prouder of our men and women in uniform leveraging innovation to create dilemmas for the enemy.”… pic.twitter.com/bydvIv5Tn5
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 4, 2026