Latest news with #precisionstrike
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Trump's new missile that could halt a Chinese invasion of Taiwan
A frantic arms race between the US and China is underway in the Pacific while the fate of Taiwan hangs in the balance. Washington and its allies are trying to stay ahead of Chinese capabilities, shaking Beijing off-balance as it considers whether it can launch a successful invasion of Taiwan. At the heart of the US strategy is a new technology that has the ability to inflict devastating losses on the Chinese navy: precision strike missiles (PrSMs, pronounced 'prisms'). The missile has just been tested in Australia, where it struck a target more than 190 miles away, marking the first time the Lockheed Martin-manufactured weapon has been used by a US ally. It can be fired with either American-made Himars or British MLRS artillery systems: missile launchers that were recently used by Ukraine to launch counter-offensives on invading Russian forces and strike deep inside enemy territory, blunting Moscow's advances. Game-changing firepower To date, those launchers have been used with Atacms missiles, which have been in service for more than three decades with a top range of some 190 miles. But PrSMs reportedly have a range of more than 300 miles, with the potential for this to improve in future variants. And at the recent test flight in Australia, the missile reached speeds of 4,000kmph, beating the Atacms by some 300kmph. Each launch pod will be able to hold two of the precision missiles, compared to just a single Atacm, according to Alex Miller, the US Army's chief technology officer. It is also said to be less susceptible to jamming. The PrSMs combine those next-generation improvements with the advantages of the Himars and MLRS systems, which are quick, agile and relatively easy to disguise – and could wreak havoc on Chinese ships attempting an invasion. Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, 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.' Both the US and China are ramping up their military capabilities in the Pacific and particularly around Taiwan, which Beijing regards as part of its territory even though it has effectively been independent since the 1940s. Taiwan under threat Earlier this year, Xi Jinping, the Chinese premier, said 'reunification' with China was inevitable, and that those on either side of the Taiwan Strait were 'one family'. China has regularly threatened Taiwan with fighter jet and warship incursions, but has always stopped short of a direct confrontation. At a security conference in May, Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, warned that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan 'could be imminent'. The stakes couldn't be higher, for both sides. If the US's military capabilities are outstripped by China, it would prove fatal to Taiwan, which relies on Washington to provide a credible deterrent. And if the island nation falls, it means the loss of a key strategic buffer against Beijing expansionism. But failing to take the island would inflict a stunning blow on China, and almost certainly lead to the fall of Xi's regime. 'There's always a constant battle with both sides to try to respond to whatever advances the other side has,' said Doug Bandow, a senior fellow with the Cato Institute. 'But I'd say these [PrSMs] have the potential for dramatically increasing the risk factor for a Chinese fleet. So that's substantial.' China's military will be only too aware of the damage Ukraine has managed to inflict on Russia using Himars since they were first provided by the US in June 2022, and will be warily eyeing the upgraded precision missiles. Taiwan already has 11 Himars from previous arms sales with the US, and it is expected to receive more in 2026. Mr Bandow said the PrSMs will have inflicted an important psychological blow on China without any shots even being fired, and could convince its leadership to delay its imperial ambitions. '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',' he told The Telegraph. '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.' Real damage could be inflicted on the Chinese fleet, both in ports and moving out to a potential invasion, if PRsMs are deployed throughout Taiwan and the rest of the first island chain, which includes Japan, Indonesia and parts of the Philippines. Australia aligns with US Elsewhere in the Pacific, Australia signed a $310m deal with the US to join the missile programme in June. 'This is all about extending deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, all about signalling to any potential adversary that pain can be inflicted,' Pat Conroy, Australia's defence industry minister, said at the test flight this month. But China is also moving quickly to innovate, and earlier this year appeared to be constructing D-Day style barges for an invasion that would allow it to bypass rocky or soft beaches unsuitable for tanks, providing multiple fronts for an invasion. Some experts are concerned the US is too slow to procure PrSMs. The Pentagon's recent funding request to Congress shows the army intends to buy 44 of the missiles from Lockheed Martin. 'There's very rarely a decisive game changer by itself… but this is a key capability for the United States and our allies to have,' Mr Bowman said. 'That is the ability to sink Chinese naval vessels in large quantities from ground-based mobile platforms. That's why I think we need a whole lot of them, fast.'
Daily Telegraph
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Telegraph
Video shows US Army testing new missiles in Australia
Don't miss out on the headlines from World. Followed categories will be added to My News. In a milestone moment, the US Army has conducted a live-fire test of its precision strike missiles in Australia, the first ever west of the international dateline. The test on Friday (US time), seen in footage obtained by Fox News Digital, marks a significant advancement in the region's long-range strike capabilities. The precision strike missile (PrSM) has an unclassified range of 300 miles (about 480km) and can hit moving targets on land or at sea, Fox News reports. The test saw a US-manufactured PrSM launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicle owned by the Australian Defence Force. It was a show of force between the US and Australia at a time of increasing tension in the Indo-Pacific. The US Army conducted the live-fire test of its precision strike missiles on Friday (US time). Picture: Fox News/US Army A US-manufactured PrSM was launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicle owned by the Australian Defence Force. Picture: Fox News/US Army 'This is just one of the key steps we're taking throughout the region to deter conflict, while ensuring that our soldiers have the best capabilities available,' said Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who observed the test at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Australia. 'The PrSM allows our forces to hold land and maritime regions at risk, which gives adversaries pause and increases deterrence.' The PrSM is the US Army's newest addition to its long-range precision fires (LRPF) portfolio, a triad of advanced strike systems that includes HIMARS-launched missiles, the mid-range capability platform and the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile. While HIMARS has already proven itself in combat zones like Ukraine, where its ability to rapidly fire and evade counter-attack has made it a prized system, the integration of the PrSM into this platform significantly enhances its strategic utility. The test marks a significant advancement in the region's long-range strike capabilities. Picture: Fox News/US Army The mobile launcher can be deployed from C-17 and C-130 aircraft, a U.S. Navy landing craft and even from ships at sea, a capability tested in joint drills with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Unlike the 90-mile-range Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS), which fires six missiles per HIMARS, the PrSM packs two missiles per launcher and can reach more than triple the distance. Asked why the missiles were an important part of preparation for a potential war in the Indo-Pacific, Driscoll told reporters, 'I think if you look at the way conflict is unfolding now, what is not being rewarded is large, massive presences with static locations and big footprints and signatures. What is being rewarded is the ability to be agile, hide your signature and move quickly.' The PrSM is the US Army's newest addition to its long-range precision fires (LRPF) portfolio. Picture: Fox News/US Army Fielding of HIMARS continues across the US Indo-Pacific Command, with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii recently receiving 16 launchers, a first for a light infantry division tasked with jungle and archipelagic warfare. Officials say they are looking to increase munitions production with key allies. The test comes after it was revealed the Pentagon privately pressed Australia to define how it might help if war broke out over a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Australia responded by stressing it would not commit troops in advance of any conflict. Australia does not permit permanent foreign military bases, but the US is expanding its rotational presence at Australian sites. Australia and the US recently led a major joint exercise in Sydney involving 30,000 troops from 19 countries. It also comes at a time when Washington is reconsidering whether to sell nuclear-powered, Virginia-class submarines to Sydney through the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) deal. The three nations would jointly design a new class of submarines, with Australian production beginning in the 2040s. This article originally appeared in Fox News and has been reproduced with permission. Originally published as Footage shows US Army testing new precision strike missiles in Australia
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Footage shows US Army testing new precision strike missiles in Australia
In a milestone moment, the US Army has conducted a live-fire test of its precision strike missiles in Australia, the first ever west of the international dateline. The test on Friday (US time), seen in footage obtained by Fox News Digital, marks a significant advancement in the region's long-range strike capabilities. The precision strike missile (PrSM) has an unclassified range of 300 miles (about 480km) and can hit moving targets on land or at sea, Fox News reports. The test saw a US-manufactured PrSM launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicle owned by the Australian Defence Force. It was a show of force between the US and Australia at a time of increasing tension in the Indo-Pacific. 'This is just one of the key steps we're taking throughout the region to deter conflict, while ensuring that our soldiers have the best capabilities available,' said Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who observed the test at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Australia. 'The PrSM allows our forces to hold land and maritime regions at risk, which gives adversaries pause and increases deterrence.' The PrSM is the US Army's newest addition to its long-range precision fires (LRPF) portfolio, a triad of advanced strike systems that includes HIMARS-launched missiles, the mid-range capability platform and the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile. While HIMARS has already proven itself in combat zones like Ukraine, where its ability to rapidly fire and evade counter-attack has made it a prized system, the integration of the PrSM into this platform significantly enhances its strategic utility. The mobile launcher can be deployed from C-17 and C-130 aircraft, a U.S. Navy landing craft and even from ships at sea, a capability tested in joint drills with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Unlike the 90-mile-range Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS), which fires six missiles per HIMARS, the PrSM packs two missiles per launcher and can reach more than triple the distance. Asked why the missiles were an important part of preparation for a potential war in the Indo-Pacific, Driscoll told reporters, 'I think if you look at the way conflict is unfolding now, what is not being rewarded is large, massive presences with static locations and big footprints and signatures. What is being rewarded is the ability to be agile, hide your signature and move quickly.' Fielding of HIMARS continues across the US Indo-Pacific Command, with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii recently receiving 16 launchers, a first for a light infantry division tasked with jungle and archipelagic warfare. Officials say they are looking to increase munitions production with key allies. The test comes after it was revealed the Pentagon privately pressed Australia to define how it might help if war broke out over a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Australia responded by stressing it would not commit troops in advance of any conflict. Australia does not permit permanent foreign military bases, but the US is expanding its rotational presence at Australian sites. Australia and the US recently led a major joint exercise in Sydney involving 30,000 troops from 19 countries. It also comes at a time when Washington is reconsidering whether to sell nuclear-powered, Virginia-class submarines to Sydney through the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) deal. The three nations would jointly design a new class of submarines, with Australian production beginning in the 2040s.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Fox News
Next-gen missile shown off in first Pacific test as US expands long-range arsenal
In a milestone moment, the Army Friday conducted a live-fire test of its precision strike missiles in Australia, the first ever west of the international dateline. The test, seen in footage obtained by Fox News Digital, marks a significant advancement in the region's long-range strike capabilities. The precision strike missile (PrSM) has an unclassified range of 300 miles and can hit moving targets on land or at sea. The test saw a U.S.-manufactured PrSM launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicle owned by the Australian Defence Force. It was a show of force between the U.S. and Australia at a time of increasing tension in the Indo-Pacific. "This is just one of the key steps we're taking throughout the region to deter conflict, while ensuring that our soldiers have the best capabilities available," said Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who observed the test at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Australia. "The PrSM allows our forces to hold land and maritime regions at risk, which gives adversaries pause and increases deterrence." The PrSM is the U.S. Army's newest addition to its long-range precision fires (LRPF) portfolio, a triad of advanced strike systems that includes HIMARS-launched missiles, the mid-range capability platform and the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile. While HIMARS has already proven itself in combat zones like Ukraine, where its ability to rapidly fire and evade counterattack has made it a prized system, the integration of the PrSM into this platform significantly enhances its strategic utility. The mobile launcher can be deployed from C-17 and C-130 aircraft, a U.S. Navy landing craft and even from ships at sea, a capability tested in joint drills with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Unlike the 90-mile-range Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS), which fires six missiles per HIMARS, the PrSM packs two missiles per launcher and can reach more than triple the distance. Asked why the missiles were an important part of preparation for a potential war in the Indo-Pacific, Driscoll told reporters, "I think if you look at the way conflict is unfolding now, what is not being rewarded is large, massive presences with static locations and big footprints and signatures. What is being rewarded is the ability to be agile, hide your signature and move quickly." Fielding of HIMARS continues across the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii recently receiving 16 launchers, a first for a light infantry division tasked with jungle and archipelagic warfare. Officials say they are looking to increase munitions production with key allies. The test comes after it was revealed the Pentagon privately pressed Australia to define how it might help if war broke out over a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Australia responded by stressing it would not commit troops in advance of any conflict. Australia does not permit permanent foreign military bases, but the U.S. is expanding its rotational presence at Australian sites. Australia and the U.S. recently led a major joint exercise in Sydney involving 30,000 troops from 19 countries. It also comes at a time when Washington is reconsidering whether to sell nuclear-powered, Virginia-class submarines to Sydney through the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) deal. The three nations would jointly design a new class of submarines, with Australian production beginning in the 2040s.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Army conducts live fire test of its new precision strike missiles in Australia
The Army July 25, 2025, conducted its first live fire test in the Indo-Pacific region of its new precision strike missile, while Secretary Dan Driscoll observed. (Army)
