US Army Fires Advanced Precision Missiles in Australian Test

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On July 25, 2025, the United States Army conducted a major live-fire test of its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) on Australian soil, highlighting the strengthening of Indo-Pacific defence cooperation. The missile was launched from an Australian High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory, successfully hitting a target 300 miles away in a matter of minutes. This marked the first time the PrSM had been fired in the Southern Hemisphere and reflects a deepening strategic partnership under the AUKUS alliance.

The PrSM is a next-generation, long-range precision weapon designed to strike both land and sea targets. Its current range extends up to 500 kilometers, with future versions expected to reach 1,000 kilometers. Australia’s involvement in the program, supported by a significant financial contribution, aims to bolster national deterrence capabilities and secure its position in the evolving regional security environment.

Despite the successful demonstration, the Albanese government has faced criticism over its heavy reliance on US-made systems and its slow progress in developing domestic defence manufacturing. While the HIMARS acquisition enhances Australia’s mobile strike potential, concerns remain about the country’s ability to independently sustain and deploy such capabilities without external support.

This missile test serves as a clear signal of allied readiness and strategic deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. However, it also raises important questions about Australia’s long-term defence posture. As regional threats grow more complex, the public is demanding stronger leadership to ensure national security while preserving sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign defence technologies.