Australia Test-Fires Precision Strike Missile in Landmark Trial
The Australia Army has test-fired its new U.S.-made Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Australia’s Northern Territory on July 25, 2025. The live-fire test was part of Exercise Talisman Sabre. The PrSM was launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher and flew roughly 300+ kilometers in about four minutes before striking its target with high accuracy. This first-ever Australian launch of the PrSM marks a milestone in the country’s move into long-range strike capability.
The Precision Strike Missile is a next-generation long-range rocket originally developed for the U.S. Army. Australia acquired the PrSM under a recent US$310 million deal. The missile’s range has been extended to 500 kilometers, surpassing the previous 30 km maximum range of Australian ordnance. It travels at the speed of Mach 3 (approximately 3,700 km/h) to minimize enemy warning and reaction times. .
The test was carried out during Exercise Talisman Sabre, the largest annual military exercise between Australia and the U.S.. This year’s exercise involves over 40,000 troops from 19 nations, practicing live-fire drills, air combat, and maritime operations. Earlier during the exercise the U.S. Army test fired an SM-6 missile from a Typhon launcher. The firing also underscores the growth of US-Australia missile cooperation, as Canberra and Washington signed a 2025 memorandum of understanding to produce and maintain the PrSM system jointly. Australia received its first HIMARS launcher from the US earlier in 2025, and both governments are exploring options for domestic missile production and support.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said, “The launch signified the Australian Army entering the missile age and enhancing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific”. US Army technology chief Alex Miller echoed this, noting the PrSM’s speed reduces an enemy’s warning time by about half (“six to seven minutes rather than 15 to 20 minutes” to prepare).
These developments have broader regional implications. Australia now joins an increasing number of U.S. allies deploying extended-range precision fires. The PrSM complements recent Australian acquisitions such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and new air-defense missiles, reflecting a wider modernization effort. U.S. commanders have been clear that the “pacing threat” in the region is China, and Australia’s upgraded missile forces are intended to deter any aggression in future conflicts. The successful PrSM test underlines how the Australia-US partnership is rapidly boosting Australia’s long-range strike and regional defense capabilities.