US tests new long-range missile in Pacific as tensions with China rise

The United States has successfully tested a new long-range precision strike missile (PrSM) in Australia, marking a significant step in its military strategy to counter China in the Pacific amid rising concerns over a possible invasion of Taiwan.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the PrSM hit a target more than 190 miles away during the joint exercise—the first time the missile has been used by a US ally. The test comes as Washington accelerates efforts to stay ahead of Chinese military capabilities, particularly around Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province, Caliber.Az reports via The Telegraph. 

The PrSM, compatible with American Himars and British MLRS launchers, offers key upgrades over the older Atacms missiles, including a longer range of over 300 miles, faster speeds of 4,000kmph, and increased resistance to electronic jamming. Each launch pod can carry two PrSMs, compared to one Atacms.

“It really creates a challenge for our adversaries,” said Brad Bowman of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies. “Where that system is now, it may not be there in 30 seconds or five minutes… That’s a real detection and targeting dilemma.”

The missile’s mobility and accuracy are designed to deter Chinese naval operations and complicate any plans for a seaborne invasion of Taiwan.

“These [PrSMs] have the potential for dramatically increasing the risk factor for a Chinese fleet,” said Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute.

The US has supplied Taiwan with 11 Himars systems, with more expected in 2026. The introduction of PrSMs into the region could prove psychologically impactful even without combat.

“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,’” Bandow said.

Australia has joined the US missile program with a $310 million investment, reinforcing its alignment with Washington in the Indo-Pacific. “This is all about extending deterrence… signalling to any potential adversary that pain can be inflicted,” said Australia’s defence industry minister, Pat Conroy.

Meanwhile, China has been developing new amphibious capabilities, including barges potentially suited for a multi-front invasion. Analysts warn the US may be too slow in acquiring the new missiles; the Pentagon plans to purchase just 44 PrSMs in its latest budget.

“There’s very rarely a decisive game changer by itself… but this is a key capability,” 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.”

By Sabina Mammadli