Latest news with #ATACMS
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
A new rocket system packing twice the punch of HIMARS just fired for the first time
A new rocket system designed by the US and its allies and boasting a ton of firepower was just test-fired for the first time. The Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) can launch twice as many munitions as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. On Monday, Lockheed Martin announced the successful first live fire of the GMARS at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The system fired Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, which are precision-guided munitions used by the US Army, as well as allies and partners. GMARS is designed to be a versatile long-range precision fire launcher that can work with existing US and allied platforms, including HIMARS, Lockheed Martin said in a statement. It can carry two Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), four Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs), and 12 regular GMLRS or the extended range versions, all developed by Lockheed Martin. That loadout gives the GMARS a range of potential firing options and doubles what the celebrated HIMARS can carry. ATACMS boast a maximum range of 190 miles, while PrSM, the weapon's planned replacement, can strike targets out to 310 miles. GMLRS, as a kind of rocket artillery rather than a tactical missile, has a more limited range at 43 miles. The extended range variant goes out to 93 miles. These precision-guided munitions operate with guidance systems like GPS, sensors, and laser guidance, which allow them to zero in on specific targets. Long-range precision fires like these are a top priority for the Army amid its sweeping transformation initiative announced earlier this year, in which US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Army needed to field long-range missiles that can strike land and maritime targets by 2027. The PrSM plays an important role in these initiatives. In June, for instance, the Army tested the new missile, which can be used flexibly against land and sea targets, against a moving maritime target. The Army has also explored flexible HIMARS employment for fast strikes at greater ranges. Other critical long-range fires efforts center on the new Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon. Ongoing conflicts, like Russia's war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, have demonstrated to the Army a need for these systems. In its statement on the recent test-firing, Lockheed Martin said the GMARS is based on German defense company Rheinmetall's HX series of tactical military trucks and supports improved interoperability — the ability to work together — between US and allied launchers and munitions, particularly in Europe. Better interoperability between systems has become a forefront want from the Army and its international allies and partners. Last month, Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of US Army Europe and Africa, said the Army wanted more commonality between its systems and those of its allies, particularly for long-range fires and air defenses. "Right now, there are many nations that if they buy a platform and another nation buys that platform, they're not interoperable because of that lack of common operating system," Donahue said at the LANDEURO Conference in Germany. "We want it to be one system optionally manned," he added, "and we want to be able to take munitions from any country and shoot through that." Similarly, modularity, meaning they can be reconfigured with different hardware and software depending on mission objectives, combat environments, enemy countermeasures, and individual soldier or personnel demands, is a top priority.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pentagon's new missile could checkmate China — why everyone's talking about it
US and Australia's Joint Efforts to Boost Pacific Security with PrSM PrSM vs ATACMS: Key Differences and Advantages The Role of PrSM in Deterring a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan Live Events What Makes PrSM a Game-Changer in Modern Warfare? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A breakthrough missile developed by theis fast becoming the centerpiece of the US military's effort to deter a potential, and it's already making waves across the Pacific, as per a or(pronounced 'prism'), is the latest high-tech weapon in America's growing arsenal and could tip the scales in the ongoing power struggle between the US and China, as per The Telegraph report. The missile, manufactured by Lockheed Martin , was recently test-fired in Australia, the first time a US ally has used the system in the field, and it hit a target more than 190 miles away, according to the READ: Google and Meta no longer cool? 75% of grads are walking away from Big Tech dreams for new career paths Unlike its predecessor, the ATACMS missile, the PrSM has a reported range of over 300 miles, can reach speeds of around 4,000 km/h, and has the capacity to launch two missiles per pod, doubling its firepower, as per The Telegraph. It can be fired from highly mobile HIMARS or MLRS launchers, the same ones that have helped Ukraine stall Russian advances in recent years, according to the timing of this weapons upgrade comes at a critical time when both the US and China are ramping up their military capabilities in the Pacific, particularly around Taiwan, as China continues to signal that it considers Taiwan as part of its territory even though it has effectively been independent since the 1940s, as reported by The this year, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan 'could be imminent,' according to the report. In such a scenario, the PrSM would serve as a powerful deterrent, allowing US forces and their allies to inflict serious damage on Chinese naval ships long before they reach Taiwan's shores, as per The Telegraph Bandow, a senior fellow with the Cato Institute, pointed out that, 'There's always a constant battle with both sides to try to respond to whatever advances the other side has,' adding that, 'But I'd say these [PrSMs] have the potential for dramatically increasing the risk factor for a Chinese fleet. So that's substantial,' as quoted in the READ: NYC office shooting: Security guard Aland Etienne among four killed, gunman Shane Tamura's target remains unclear Taiwan, which already operates 11 HIMARS systems and is expecting more by 2026, could eventually deploy PrSMs as part of its defense strategy, as per The Telegraph explained that, 'The most important advantage of a weapons advance like this is it simply encourages the Chinese to say, 'No… we don't have to do it now',' as quoted by The added that, 'In my view the best chance of getting through this is to simply have that happen a lot. And hopefully we can get to a point, whatever that point is, where everyone agrees war is really stupid and this won't happen,' as quoted in the Martin is the company behind this advanced helps Taiwan defend itself by threatening Chinese naval forces before they can launch an invasion.
The Irish Sun
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Is THIS Trump's secret weapon to stop China invading Taiwan? Game-changer PRSM missile to wipe out Xi's armada is tested
A GAME-CHANGING new weapon has been successfully tested by the US as they continue to warn China against attacking Taiwan. Donald Trump has overseen the creation of the precision strike missiles (PrSMs) which are capable of wiping out Xi Jinping's whole armada should the despot launch an invasion . Advertisement 9 Australia successfully test-fired the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) for the first time Credit: Defence Industry Europe/CPL Cameron Pegg. 9 The PrSMs struck a target more than 190 miles away 9 China's Xi Jinping has vowed to take over Taiwan 'by force' if necessary despite the US threats Credit: Alamy 9 Washington and its allies have been trying to fend off a looming Chinese attack on their neighbours . Beijing has been In recent months the US has voiced serious concerns around what China is planning with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warning an attack is "real and imminent". Hegseth said communist Beijing is "rehearsing for the real deal" and described the looming threat as a "wake-up call" for the world. Advertisement read more in China vs Taiwan Part of America's deterrence has seen them help to build a weapon capable of obliterating Chinese warships and aircraft carriers should a conflict ever spark in the region. The PrSMs have just been tested in Australia with the successful launch seeing it strike a target more than 190 miles away. It marks the first time the 13ft Lockheed Martin-manufactured weapon has been used by a US ally. The design means it can be fired by either US-made HIMARS launchers or British MLRS artillery systems. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Latest Despite only reaching 190 miles during testing, designers say the missiles have a range of more than 300 miles. Ukraine currently uses the ATACMS missiles to fend off Vladimir Putin's Russia but these only have a maximum range of 190 miles. Taiwan troops use UNDERGROUND network to outsmart a Chinese invasion in unprecedented drills Another major milestone for the PrSMs is the speeds they reach. In Australia , the missile managed to soar past 4,000kmph- a remarkable 300kmph faster than the ATACMS. Advertisement Each missile launch pod will also be able to carry two of the precision missiles at any time, according to Alex Miller, the US Army's chief technology officer. Miller also proudly announced the PrSM is less susceptible to jamming meaning it has a far greater efficiency. It is expertly able to disguise itself through the air and go undetected until it is too late. Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, was full of praise for the new weapon. Advertisement He said: "It really creates a challenge for our adversaries, because where that system is now, it may not be there in 30 seconds or five minutes. "That's a real detection and targeting dilemma." 9 Experts have been full of praise for the effectiveness of the new weapon 9 Armoured amphibious units from China have been spotted practising naval formation in the latest threats to Taiwan Advertisement 9 Future upgrades to the missile are already in the works with developers hoping to exceed 300 miles and to integrate improved sensors and advanced warheads. China themselves have been working to assemble their own high-tech arsenal of weapons should a total war erupt. Vast improvements to their stealth bombers, missiles and drones have all taken place recently. Advertisement A new Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets has already been readied for takeoff . This unmanned With Xi even organising a set of "Terminator troops" to fight till the death. Beijing may be planning to genetically-modify its soldiers for an army of super troops, a defence think tank has warned. Advertisement Experts at Rusi say GM soldiers could be faster, stronger and cleverer than their battlefield opponents and even feel no pain. Their DNA could also be adapted to help them recover more quickly from injuries or give them superior hearing and night vision. China has sought to ramp up its military capabilities in recent years. Their military buildup has been watched warily around the world, as annexing Taiwan by force draws closer. Advertisement China has frequently Taiwan, known diplomatically as the Republic of China, has never been controlled by the Beijing-led People's Republic of China. But Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, has vowed to bring the island under Beijing's control soon. Any full invasion of Taiwan would likely be viewed as an attack on the US and prompt Trump's military to become directly involved in the region. Advertisement The US has been the island's strongest allies for decades as their main arms supplier - and Taiwan accounts for almost half of America's key microchips. 9 Donald Trump and Xi Jinping pictured in 2019 in Japan Credit: AFP 9
The Sun
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Is THIS Trump's secret weapon to stop China invading Taiwan? Game-changer PRSM missile to wipe out Xi's armada is tested
A GAME-CHANGING new weapon has been successfully tested by the US as they continue to warn China against attacking Taiwan. Donald Trump has overseen the creation of the precision strike missiles (PrSMs) which are capable of wiping out Xi Jinping's whole armada should the despot launch an invasion . 9 9 9 9 Washington and its allies have been trying to fend off a looming Chinese attack on their neighbours. Beijing has been staging war drills and sending terrifying threats to the self-governed island for years now. In recent months the US has voiced serious concerns around what China is planning with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warning an attack is "real and imminent". Hegseth said communist Beijing is "rehearsing for the real deal" and described the looming threat as a "wake-up call" for the world. Part of America's deterrence has seen them help to build a weapon capable of obliterating Chinese warships and aircraft carriers should a conflict ever spark in the region. The PrSMs have just been tested in Australia with the successful launch seeing it strike a target more than 190 miles away. It marks the first time the 13ft Lockheed Martin-manufactured weapon has been used by a US ally. The design means it can be fired by either US-made HIMARS launchers or British MLRS artillery systems. Despite only reaching 190 miles during testing, designers say the missiles have a range of more than 300 miles. Ukraine currently uses the ATACMS missiles to fend off Vladimir Putin's Russia but these only have a maximum range of 190 miles. Another major milestone for the PrSMs is the speeds they reach. In Australia, the missile managed to soar past 4,000kmph- a remarkable 300kmph faster than the ATACMS. Each missile launch pod will also be able to carry two of the precision missiles at any time, according to Alex Miller, the US Army's chief technology officer. Miller also proudly announced the PrSM is less susceptible to jamming meaning it has a far greater efficiency. It is expertly able to disguise itself through the air and go undetected until it is too late. Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, was full of praise for the new weapon. He said: "It really creates a challenge for our adversaries, because where that system is now, it may not be there in 30 seconds or five minutes. "That's a real detection and targeting dilemma." 9 9 Future upgrades to the missile are already in the works with developers hoping to exceed 300 miles and to integrate improved sensors and advanced warheads. China themselves have been working to assemble their own high-tech arsenal of weapons should a total war erupt. Vast improvements to their stealth bombers, missiles and drones have all taken place recently. A new Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets has already been readied for takeoff. This unmanned "drone mother ship" has been created as part of a terrifying drive to boost the Chinese air force's combat capabilities. With Xi even organising a set of "Terminator troops" to fight till the death. Beijing may be planning to genetically-modify its soldiers for an army of super troops, a defence think tank has warned. Experts at Rusi say GM soldiers could be faster, stronger and cleverer than their battlefield opponents and even feel no pain. Their DNA could also be adapted to help them recover more quickly from injuries or give them superior hearing and night vision. China has sought to ramp up its military capabilities in recent years. Their military buildup has been watched warily around the world, as annexing Taiwan by force draws closer. China has frequently carried out naval drills in the Taiwan Strait - which are widely seen as preparation for a potential invasion. Taiwan, known diplomatically as the Republic of China, has never been controlled by the Beijing-led People's Republic of China. But Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, has vowed to bring the island under Beijing's control soon. Any full invasion of Taiwan would likely be viewed as an attack on the US and prompt Trump's military to become directly involved in the region. The US has been the island's strongest allies for decades as their main arms supplier - and Taiwan accounts for almost half of America's key microchips. 9 9
Scottish Sun
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Is THIS Trump's secret weapon to stop China invading Taiwan? Game-changer PRSM missile to wipe out Xi's armada is tested
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GAME-CHANGING new weapon has been successfully tested by the US as they continue to warn China against attacking Taiwan. Donald Trump has overseen the creation of the precision strike missiles (PrSMs) which are capable of wiping out Xi Jinping's whole armada should the despot launch an invasion . Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Australia successfully test-fired the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) for the first time Credit: Defence Industry Europe/CPL Cameron Pegg. 9 The PrSMs struck a target more than 190 miles away 9 China's Xi Jinping has vowed to take over Taiwan 'by force' if necessary despite the US threats Credit: Alamy 9 Washington and its allies have been trying to fend off a looming Chinese attack on their neighbours. Beijing has been staging war drills and sending terrifying threats to the self-governed island for years now. In recent months the US has voiced serious concerns around what China is planning with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warning an attack is "real and imminent". Hegseth said communist Beijing is "rehearsing for the real deal" and described the looming threat as a "wake-up call" for the world. Part of America's deterrence has seen them help to build a weapon capable of obliterating Chinese warships and aircraft carriers should a conflict ever spark in the region. The PrSMs have just been tested in Australia with the successful launch seeing it strike a target more than 190 miles away. It marks the first time the 13ft Lockheed Martin-manufactured weapon has been used by a US ally. The design means it can be fired by either US-made HIMARS launchers or British MLRS artillery systems. Despite only reaching 190 miles during testing, designers say the missiles have a range of more than 300 miles. Ukraine currently uses the ATACMS missiles to fend off Vladimir Putin's Russia but these only have a maximum range of 190 miles. Taiwan troops use UNDERGROUND network to outsmart a Chinese invasion in unprecedented drills Another major milestone for the PrSMs is the speeds they reach. In Australia, the missile managed to soar past 4,000kmph- a remarkable 300kmph faster than the ATACMS. Each missile launch pod will also be able to carry two of the precision missiles at any time, according to Alex Miller, the US Army's chief technology officer. Miller also proudly announced the PrSM is less susceptible to jamming meaning it has a far greater efficiency. It is expertly able to disguise itself through the air and go undetected until it is too late. Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, was full of praise for the new weapon. He said: "It really creates a challenge for our adversaries, because where that system is now, it may not be there in 30 seconds or five minutes. "That's a real detection and targeting dilemma." 9 Experts have been full of praise for the effectiveness of the new weapon 9 Armoured amphibious units from China have been spotted practising naval formation in the latest threats to Taiwan 9 Future upgrades to the missile are already in the works with developers hoping to exceed 300 miles and to integrate improved sensors and advanced warheads. China themselves have been working to assemble their own high-tech arsenal of weapons should a total war erupt. Vast improvements to their stealth bombers, missiles and drones have all taken place recently. A new Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets has already been readied for takeoff. This unmanned "drone mother ship" has been created as part of a terrifying drive to boost the Chinese air force's combat capabilities. With Xi even organising a set of "Terminator troops" to fight till the death. Beijing may be planning to genetically-modify its soldiers for an army of super troops, a defence think tank has warned. Experts at Rusi say GM soldiers could be faster, stronger and cleverer than their battlefield opponents and even feel no pain. Their DNA could also be adapted to help them recover more quickly from injuries or give them superior hearing and night vision. China has sought to ramp up its military capabilities in recent years. Their military buildup has been watched warily around the world, as annexing Taiwan by force draws closer. China has frequently carried out naval drills in the Taiwan Strait - which are widely seen as preparation for a potential invasion. Taiwan, known diplomatically as the Republic of China, has never been controlled by the Beijing-led People's Republic of China. But Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, has vowed to bring the island under Beijing's control soon. Any full invasion of Taiwan would likely be viewed as an attack on the US and prompt Trump's military to become directly involved in the region. The US has been the island's strongest allies for decades as their main arms supplier - and Taiwan accounts for almost half of America's key microchips. 9 Donald Trump and Xi Jinping pictured in 2019 in Japan Credit: AFP
