The UK government has announced a £190m investment in a new long-range missile system designed to strengthen the British Army's battlefield capabilities and reinforce NATO's
deterrence.
The Ministry of Defence said the UK will join the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) programme, acquiring a weapon capable of striking targets up to 500km (310 miles) away at supersonic speeds.
The missile, built by US defence company Lockheed Martin, is compatible with the British Army's upgraded M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), meaning it can be introduced without modifying existing launch vehicles.
Ministers say the new capability will allow British forces to target enemy command centres, air defence systems and supply routes from much greater distances, reducing risks to frontline troops while improving the UK's contribution to NATO operations.
The funding comes from the government's wider £298bn Defence Investment Plan, which aims to modernise the UK's armed forces amid growing security challenges.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile will complement other long-range capabilities being developed by the Army, including one-way attack drones and ground-launched cruise missiles, creating a broader range of precision strike options.
The Precision Strike Missile is being developed through a partnership between the United States and Australia. Subject to agreements with both countries, the UK could begin receiving the first missiles in 2027.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said: “I am absolutely determined to give our soldiers the weapons they need as they defend our nation and NATO.
This new investment into a precision strike missile will help to strengthen our Army and our security at this increasingly dangerous time.
The US and Australia are vital defence partners, and I am working with Secretary Hegseth and Deputy Prime Minister Marles to deliver this programme alongside AUKUS”.
The government said UK participation could also benefit British industry by creating opportunities to help develop and manufacture future versions of the missile, supporting skilled jobs across the defence sector.
The announcement follows a meeting of NATO defence ministers, where discussions focused on strengthening allied cooperation and deterrence. During the gathering, Mr Jarvis also held talks with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Ministry of Defence said joining the PrSM programme would not replace longer-term European missile projects, including the Deep Precision Strike and European Long Range Strike Approach, but would instead provide an immediate enhancement to the Army's long-range strike capability while those programmes continue to develop. Photo by Gertrud Zach, Wikimedia commons.
