On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the American company Lockheed Martin announced the first full test of the PrSM Increment 2 (Precision Strike Missile) anti-ship ballistic missile, designated LBASM (Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile).
Image: Lockheed Martin
The missile was launched from an M1140 launcher of the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), covering a distance of 350 km, deploying countermeasure decoys, and collecting a set of performance data to be used for system validation.
“With Increment 2, PrSM delivers the long-range capability the Army asked for to defeat moving land and maritime threats,” said Carolyn Orzechowski, vice president, Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles. “Our focused investment and accelerated delivery demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the Army customer.”
“Lockheed Martin is investing in advanced development and digital engineering to accelerate the fielding of PrSM Increment 2,” said Gaylia Campbell, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Tactical Missiles. “By leveraging modular design, agile processes and close collaboration with the Army and our supplier network, we’re moving quickly to deliver this enhanced capability to the warfighter faster without compromising performance or reliability.”
The PrSM Increment 2 program is currently in the technology maturation phase, with a preliminary design review underway. Additional missile flight tests are planned for later this year.
It is worth recalling that at the end of 2023, the U.S. Army’s DEVCOM (Combat Capabilities Development Command) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, tested a key component of the new missile version—a multi-mode seeker capable of engaging moving targets.
The system consists of a passive targeting system and an electro-optical infrared sensor, supported by a conventional GPS/INS guidance system. The passive system would be used in the terminal phase of flight for target discrimination, while during most of the flight the missile would be guided in a manner similar to PrSM Increment 1.
Work on this variant is currently focused on its application as an anti-ship missile, although it could potentially be used against other types of targets. It is also worth noting that the U.S. Army tested PrSM Increment 1 against a moving maritime target in June 2024 during the SINKEX phase of the Valiant Shield 24 exercise.
The use of a passive targeting system stems from the fact that primary targets—surface vessels—emit significant electromagnetic signals due to their extensive use of radar systems. The system is designed to detect and track these emissions, while the infrared sensor supports guidance by tracking the heat signatures generated by ships.
Such a combination of terminal guidance methods would make the missile highly resistant to electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures deployed by the adversary, for example on naval vessels. The multi-mode seeker also enables data fusion, increasing targeting accuracy even against moving targets such as surface ships. Another advantage is the higher flight speed of a ballistic missile compared to conventional anti-ship missiles, making it particularly difficult to intercept.
Additionally, the passive targeting system may allow the LBASM/PrSM Increment 2 to be used as an anti-radiation weapon against radars, communication nodes, or other electromagnetic emitters.
In summary, the LBASM/PrSM Increment 2 will be an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) equipped with a MaRV (Maneuvering Reentry Vehicle) warhead, capable of performing controlled maneuvers and actively homing in on its target during the terminal phase of flight.
Meanwhile, at the end of February this year, the already fielded PrSM Increment 1 made its combat debut in operations against Iran, deployed by the U.S. Army on M142 HIMARS launchers and being introduced on the heavier, upgraded M270A2 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System).
At the same time, work is ongoing on the PrSM Increment 4 variant, which will receive the separate designation LRMF, with a range of up to 1,000 km (previously known as PrSM-ER, Extended Range). Firing trials have also been conducted from a prototype unmanned, autonomous AML launcher. So far, PrSM missiles have been exported only to Australia (with Norway denied a purchase).
.@LockheedMartin and the @USArmy test new long-range missile, PrSM Increment 2, that can now strike moving and maritime targets, bringing next-gen precision fires closer to reality. Click for more:
— Lockheed Martin News (@LMNews) March 12, 2026