Reference News Network July 16 report, according to RIA Novosti website July 14 report, the Pentagon has announced the start of mass production of PrSM precision strike missiles for multi-domain task forces in Europe, the Arctic, and the Asia-Pacific region. It is not ruled out that some of these missiles may be provided to Ukraine for field testing.
This campaign-tactical missile system has a range of 500 kilometers, between multiple rocket launchers and short-range ballistic missiles. Campaign-tactical missile systems have appeared in several local wars. Russia has actively used the "Iskander"-M system in its special military operation. Kyiv has the Soviet "Ovod" -U and the U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
Lockheed Martin's PrSM will replace ATACMS. The U.S. military freeing up storage for new munitions may be the reason why the Ukrainian armed forces have been equipped with ATACMS. The PrSM project was launched in 2016, and the first pre-production models were delivered to the military in autumn 2023. Its launchers are the same as those of ATACMS: M142 "Himars" multiple rocket launcher and M270 multiple rocket launcher system.
The PrSM project is divided into four stages. In the first stage, the Pentagon obtained ballistic missiles for striking fixed targets at 60 to 500 kilometers. This missile is now in mass production. It uses inertial and satellite guidance, with a high-explosive or cluster warhead. There is no data on its weight in public information, with different estimates ranging from 100 to 230 kilograms. This is the initial version of the missile, which is restricted by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
After the United States withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Lockheed Martin began developing the second generation: land-based anti-ship missiles, with a range of 1,000 kilometers. A multimode guidance head can work in radar and infrared bands. Therefore, the missile can capture and hit moving targets in the final stage of its flight trajectory. Samples were tested in the Pacific last summer. The U.S. military expects to equip this missile by 2028.
There are two other variants. The manufacturer revealed that one is equipped with a heavier penetration warhead, used to destroy strong fortifications. Another is equipped with an advanced air-jet engine, with a range of 1,500 kilometers. If launched from Poland, it can hit Moscow.
Europe will also establish several multi-domain task forces in the NATO eastern wing. The tactical teams there will conduct reconnaissance for the entire NATO to identify potential enemy air defense positions, troop concentration points, and equipment movement routes. At the same time, they will engage in cyber sabotage activities, interfering with communications and command systems. The next step is to strike key military facilities.
To support European multi-domain task forces, specialized fire command posts will also be established, using high-altitude drones and satellites to continuously monitor enemy movements, providing target indication for long-range missiles and artillery systems. General Christopher Cavoli, Commander of the U.S. European Command, said that this is a key element of multi-domain operations in large-scale conflicts.
It is not ruled out that the Ukrainian armed forces will also receive this new missile for field testing. Kyiv has multiple rocket launcher systems and "Himars" launchers, adjusting their fire control systems to match PrSM is not difficult. The probability of this situation occurring is quite high—especially when Germany hesitates and is unwilling to provide Ukraine with the 500 km range "Taurus" cruise missiles.
However, these weapons may not be sufficient to change the frontline situation. In addition, the Russian air defense forces have already mastered the technology to shoot down ballistic targets. During the first two years of the special military operation, the Ukrainian army frequently attacked the Russian rear with "Ovod" -U missiles, later switching to ATACMS. Neither of these missiles became Kyiv's super weapon. They do not pose a significant threat to modern air defense systems, unlike the "Storm Shadow" and "Scalp" cruise missiles, which approach the target by flying low, thereby reducing the interception time.
The Russian air defense forces have sufficient air defense systems to protect key directions from ballistic missile attacks. These systems include S-300V4, S-400, S-350, "Buk" -M2 and "Buk" -M3. In addition, the latest S-500 air defense system also has the capability to intercept ballistic missiles. However, the most effective way to counter the Ukrainian campaign-tactical missile system is to destroy it on the ground. This task can be accomplished by remotely piloted aircraft "Geran-2" that have undergone major upgrades, which can accurately hit even small targets. (Translated by He Yingjun)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7527542801161224747/
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