Australia tests HIMARS and Precision Strike Missile in historic exercise

On July 25, 2025, Australia conducted a significant military exercise within its territory as part of the annual Talisman Sabre exercise. This marked the first time that the Australian army launched a HIMARS-guided rocket and a Precision Strike Missile, demonstrating its growing military capabilities. The HIMARS system, which Australia procured 42 units of from the United States, has been highly regarded following its successes in Ukraine. Additionally, the Precision Strike Missile is being co-developed with the U.S. and is poised to play a crucial role in Australia's long-range strike capabilities. The Precision Strike Missile aims to replace the older Army Tactical Missile System and is designed to travel at over three times the speed of sound, with a range exceeding 250 miles. Australia's Department of Defence highlighted the significance of successfully firing the PrSM two years ahead of schedule, indicating the Albanese government's commitment to enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities amidst increasing regional tensions. A pivotal aspect of the exercise included a multinational HIMARS live-fire demonstration involving U.S., Australian, and Singaporean forces. This synchronized strike from multiple locations to hit a single target represented a remarkable achievement and showcased enhanced interoperability among allied forces in the region, something that China's military planners have yet to fully contend with in their strategic calculations. With future versions of the Precision Strike Missile projected to extend ranges beyond 600 miles and include advanced mobile targeting capabilities, Australia is actively reshaping the military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Lt General Simon Stuart emphasized the importance of these developments for sea denial and supporting joint operations with the air force, navy, and cyber units. Brigadier Nick Wilson noted that the capabilities expanded to striking distances over 300 km, a substantial increase from previous limitations. As Australia moves forward with its commitment to rapidly develop a more formidable long-range strike capability, these exercises are critical for establishing deterrence and ensuring readiness in response to any potential threats in the evolving geopolitical landscape.