American Think Tank: Using Three Latest Weapons to Counter Iran

In the air strike operation against Iran, three new American weapon systems have attracted particular attention: the newly introduced "PrSM" anti-submarine missile, the low-cost "LUCAS" drone, and a new stealth-capable "Tomahawk" missile.

The "Operation Epic Fury," which is the military operation against Iran, has now entered its third day.

After more than 60 hours of combat, we have gathered enough information and video footage to analyze some of the weapon systems used in this operation. This operation has set several "firsts." In fact, so far, the US military has already used at least three new weapon systems in the conflict.

American Long-Range "PrSM" Missile First Used in Combat

According to the operation video released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US Army's M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launched a precision strike missile (PrSM) at a target inside Iran from somewhere in the desert. Although CENTCOM did not reveal what type of ammunition was fired from HIMARS, the video clearly shows the PrSM missile. This ground-launched munition differs significantly in appearance and details from the MGM-140 ATACM missile.

The PrSM missile is a ground-launched missile jointly developed by the US and Australia, designed to replace the MGM-140 ATACM missile. It officially entered service in 2023. Its unclassified range is approximately 250 miles (about 400 kilometers), and it carries a 200-pound (about 90 kilograms) warhead. In addition to being launched from the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, the PrSM missile can also be fired from the M142 HIMARS rocket launcher.

Considering that the PrSM missile has a shorter range than other missiles and munitions, the military is likely to have used this missile to attack targets in southwestern Iran.

LUCAS: The US Is Using Iran's Own Drones to Fight Back Against It

The weapon system first showcased in the "Epic Fury Operation" is the LUCAS one-way attack drone system. In addition to its explosive warhead, this weapon system carries a strong sense of irony. The LUCAS drone is a copy of the Iranian Shahed loitering munition, which played a significant role in the Russian war against Ukraine.

Several months ago, the US military established the "Scorpion Strike" task force in the Middle East, aiming to provide the combat commanders with one-way attack drone system capabilities.

"The CENTCOM 'Scorpion Strike' task force made an unprecedented use of one-way attack drones in the 'Epic Fury' operation. These low-cost drones were modeled after Iran's 'Shahed' drones and are now carrying out retaliatory strikes manufactured by the United States," wrote CENTCOM on its official Twitter account X (formerly Twitter).

The LUCAS drone is especially useful in the current conflict, as well as generally, due to its cost-effectiveness. Similar to Iran's "Shahed" drones, the LUCAS drone costs about $35,000, making it more economical than million-dollar missiles. Indeed, this drone does not have the accuracy, speed, stealth, or destructive power of other munitions. However, it remains a useful tool in large-scale combat operations. This suicide drone can be launched by ground forces and naval forces.

Mysterious "Stealth Tomahawk" Missile May Have Been Deployed

The US Navy may have already tested a new stealth Tomahawk missile. In a video released by the navy, a black Tomahawk cruise missile can be seen. Tomahawk missiles are usually gray, and the missiles shown in the video are almost all gray. The black color is likely a low-observability coating designed to absorb enemy radar signals, improving the missile's survivability.

The RGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is a cruise missile that can be launched from submarines and surface ships. Tomahawk missiles come in various models, with operational ranges reaching up to 1,200 miles. A video shot during the early stages of the operation shows multiple Tomahawk missiles flying at over 500 miles per hour, at an altitude of about 100 feet above the ground, to avoid detection by Iranian air defense systems. The Tomahawk missile can carry a 1,000-pound unitary or fragmentation warhead.

Source: The National Interest

Time: March 2, Washington time

Author: Stavros Atlamazoglu

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858618773274635/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author himself.