By Matthew Bell*
Australia faces a strategic environment fraught with emerging threats that demand a novel approach to national defence. In the face of an uncertain future, where potential adversaries could directly impact our way of life, the 2024 National Defence Strategy (NDS24) emphasises the urgent need for a Strategy of Denial. [1] This strategy is crucial, calling for the development of a military force credible enough to deter threats well before they reach Australia’s shores.
To support this strategy, the Australian Government has reprioritised capabilities, focusing on enhanced targeting and long-range strike through significant investment. Integrating the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) into naval platforms via the Mk41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) is a critical step toward achieving sovereign capability. This approach aligns with NDS24, the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, and ministerial commitments to co-production.
Strategic Investment and Co-Production
The Government has allocated a significant $28–$35 billion over the next decade specifically to develop and enhance long-range strike capabilities, acquiring advanced guided weapons that can deliver potent effects at longer ranges. This investment is set to transform the Australian Army from a force historically limited to a maximum range of 40 kilometres to a littoral manoeuvre force capable of land and maritime strike out to 1,000 kilometres using the PrSM family. [2] By extending this significant enhancement in strike capability to the RAN’s surface fleet, Australia would improve its integrated force projection across the Indo-Pacific. This strategic alignment not only enhances the Army’s capabilities but also ensures that the RAN is equally equipped to address evolving threats in collaboration with the Army’s newly augmented reach.
This transformation is underpinned by the Australian Government’s investment of up to $21 billion over the decade to establish the sovereign GWEO Enterprise. [3] A recent milestone is the Joint Statement of Intent with the United States and Lockheed Martin, which strengthens bilateral cooperation and initiates co-development and production of long-range fires, starting with Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and PrSM variants.
Achieving Lethality with PrSM
The PrSM family is evolving into a sophisticated system of systems. PrSM Increment 2, the initial anti-ship ballistic missile variant, which combines a standard PrSM with the multi-mode EO/IR seeker, will continue testing through 2026. PrSM Increment 4, featuring a ramjet-powered dual-mode motor, is expected to exceed 800 kilometres in range. At approximately 4.0 metres long, and 43 cm in diameter, the PrSM is capable of being integrated into the Mk41 VLS on the RAN’s surface fleet, including Hobart-class, Hunter-class, and upgraded Mogami-class ships. Its shorter length also allows for use in Tactical VLS modules, enabling platforms like the Anzac-class frigates, which cannot house the longer Tomahawk missile, to assume a supersonic anti-ship and land strike role.
The key requirement for adapting PrSM to the Mk41 VLS is that the PrSM-VLS variant must be single-packed into a purpose-built canister that meets the Mk41 VLS Strike Module standards. This adaptation involves designing and producing a new canister to fit the missile securely. Being limited to single-packing prevents greater magazine capacity but ensures the internal structure is simplified for reliability. Additionally, the PrSM missile may require modification with folding fins to guarantee it can fit inside the canister and deploy safely within existing VLS launch tubes.
Successful adaptation of PrSM to shipboard VLS launch also requires a focused engineering effort to enable a Boosted Hot Launch method. This means developing a dedicated, disposable booster motor that can provide strong initial thrust to eject the missile vertically from the cell. Engineers must design a specific VLS Booster Stage for this purpose. The longer Mk41 Strike module could serve to house both the new booster and essential blast attenuation devices, although the focus should be on achieving this with the standard Mk41 Tactical module. These modifications create the mechanical and safety conditions for at-sea launches. Lockheed Martin has publicly stated it is researching ship-launched PrSM integration from Mark 41 VLS cells, which could support this process. [4]
Kinetic arsenal
The RAN’s expanding kinetic arsenal reflects strategic diversification, providing the ADF with strike solutions across various ranges, speeds, and guidance systems. Integrating PrSM offers options that complement existing Navy weapons such as Tomahawk, Naval Strike Missile (NSM), and Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). PrSM and SM-6 achieve supersonic speeds near Mach 3.5 and use quasi-ballistic trajectories, which are vital for engaging time-sensitive targets and reducing adversary reaction time, particularly against dense Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) systems. In contrast, Tomahawk and NSM rely on subsonic manoeuvring, stealth, and complex navigation for penetration.
Whilst PrSM has a smaller warhead (91kg) than either the NSM (125kg) or Tomahawk (450kg), its lethality is focused through fragmentation and precision and therefore still renders a combatant ineffective. This triality provides critical strategic flexibility. Tomahawk offers long-range, subsonic strike capability out to 2,500 kilometres, while PrSM delivers a rapid, supersonic kinetic option. The Navy can choose between the speed and reduced reaction time of PrSM or the extended range and complex navigation of Tomahawk. The NSM, a dedicated anti-ship cruise missile, is optimised for stealth and sea-skimming at high subsonic speeds with a range over 300 km. PrSM, especially its future Increment 2 maritime variant, complements this by providing a supersonic, quasi-ballistic attack against moving maritime targets at ranges potentially exceeding 1,000 kilometres. [4]
With both NSM and PrSM to be produced in Australia with supported Australian supply chains, including critical minerals, this will not only reduce the cost per shot but also critically enable weapons supply when overseas-supplied munitions like Tomahawk and SM-6 are restricted in stock.
Operational integration of PrMS into the RAN involves aligning this modernisation with existing naval tactics and doctrine, similar to the use of Tomahawk. The integration will require updating RAN operational procedures to incorporate the use of these vertically-launched rockets for defence and strategic strike missions. Therefore, a phased approach can be adopted to achieve this integration effectively, including key milestones such as initial capability assessment, prototype testing, and full-scale deployment. Each phase should involve rigorous testing and evaluation to identify challenges and optimise systems.
Training programs for RAN personnel will be necessary to ensure they are proficient in the deployment, maintenance, and operational command of these systems. These programs should be rolled out in stages, beginning with leadership briefings, followed by technical training sessions, and concluding with comprehensive operational exercises. This ensures personnel at all levels achieve the required proficiency before full-scale implementation.
Additionally, the development of new doctrines that emphasise the tactical advantages offered by the PrSM and payload flexibility will be required. This approach not only enhances the RAN’s ability to project power across the Indo-Pacific region but also informs policymakers of the practical value and strategic advantages of this implementation. As part of this doctrinal update, key performance indicators related to strategic and operational objectives should be defined to measure integration success and guide continuous improvement within GWEO and the Navy.
Distributed and Concealed Lethality
This integrated approach includes distributed maritime strike capabilities. The containerised Mk 70 Mod 1 Payload Delivery System (PDS), also used by the U.S. Army as Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC), packages Mk-41 VLS cells into 40-foot containers for deployment on various vessels, including uncrewed platforms. [5] This enables ship-launched PrSM as part of the Large Optionally Manned Surface Vessel (LOSV) Program. These modular “magazine ships” would carry most offensive and expendable missiles, allowing crewed warships to reserve their VLS cells for critical air and missile defence.
Australia is pursuing co-development and co-production of long-range fires for both GMLRS and PrSM variants through a Joint Statement of Intent with the United States and Lockheed Martin. [2] Enhanced cooperation on the PrSM program has established a Joint Program Office in Huntsville, Alabama, to coordinate acquisition, development, production, and sustainment. For domestic manufacturing to be viable, facilities must produce quantities beyond ADF requirements, enabling Australia to support global supply chains and strengthen self-reliance. An effective export strategy is crucial for scaling production and ensuring industry viability. This includes exploring partnerships with allied nations seeking to enhance their military capabilities and addressing policy considerations that facilitate export agreements. Establishing strategic partnerships can enhance collaboration, improve market access, and position Australia as a leader in advanced defence manufacturing.
The Mk 41 VLS is widely used by navies, including the US Navy and Royal Navy, which plans to equip its Type 26 and Type 31 frigates with the system. Thirteen navies deploy the Mk 41 VLS across more than 26 ship classes and over 180 ships worldwide. Therefore, broad adoption presents a unique opportunity for Australia to lead in integrating PrSM and related products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, integrating the Australian-manufactured PrSM into the RAN’s Mk41 VLS platforms is not just important; it is imperative for leveraging Australia’s current investment and fulfilling NDS24 objectives. This capability delivers long-range, supersonic strike power and significantly boosts the ADF’s deterrence. To achieve these objectives, the following actions should be prioritise:
- Expedite the engineering adaptations needed for shipboard PrSM integration to ensure seamless implementation within current naval platforms.
- Strengthen partnerships with the United States and key defence manufacturers to support rapid co-production and innovation in guided weapons technology.
- Enhance training and development programs to ensure operational readiness and effective maintenance of the new strike systems.
These steps will ensure the GWEO Enterprise efficiently uplifts from the initial GMLRS production to PrSM capabilities for Navy and Army, thereby establishing a robust strike force and securing Australia’s interests in the Indo-Pacific. Swift coordinated action is essential to cement Australia’s technological and strategic leadership in the region.
References
[1] (2024). National Defence Strategy. https://www.defence.gov.au/about/strategic-planning/2024-national-defence-strategy-2024-integrated-investment-program
[2] (2025). Australia signs long-range precision strike missile agreement with the United States. Australian Department of Defence. https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-06-06/australia-signs-long-range-precision-strike-missile-agreement-united-states
*Matthew Bell is a naval officer with over 15 years of service. He holds multiple postgraduate qualifications and is a budding capability professional who writes to explore emerging ideas and challenges in capability management.
