This article is based on an official press release from Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman Validates PrSM Propulsion with 16th Consecutive Successful Test

On January 20, 2026, Northrop Grumman Corporation announced a significant milestone in the modernization of U.S. Army long-range fires. The company successfully completed its 16th consecutive production acceptance test for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1 solid rocket motor. Conducted at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia, this static fire test underscores the reliability of the propulsion system designed to replace the Cold War-era ATACMS.

The event serves as a critical validation point for the company’s broader “Tactical Propulsion Portfolio.” As the prime propulsion provider for the PrSM program, led by prime contractor Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman is leveraging modernized manufacturing infrastructure to deliver these next-generation systems at scale.

Validating the “Gold Standard” of Reliability

According to the company’s official announcement, the test conducted at the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant (NIROP) within the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) verified that the motor meets all rigorous performance requirements. These metrics include specific thrust profiles and structural integrity under simulated extreme conditions.

The “16th consecutive successful” designation is emphasized by the company as a primary indicator of manufacturing consistency. In the domain of solid rocket motors, where a single failure can ground a fleet or endanger personnel, this streak represents a mature production line ready for high-volume fielding.

Erik Buice, Vice President of Missile Products at Northrop Grumman, highlighted the significance of this consistency in a statement:

“This test is our 16th consecutive, successful, PrSM production acceptance test. This string of successes reinforces the strength of our tactical propulsion portfolio and the teams who make it possible. We’re building rocket motors that don’t just meet performance targets, they redefine what’s possible for range, responsiveness and reliability when needed most.”

Technical Evolution: PrSM vs. ATACMS

The Precision Strike Missile is the U.S. Army’s top modernization priority for Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF). The propulsion system tested this week is central to the platform’s ability to outperform the legacy MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

Based on technical specifications released regarding the program, the new propulsion system offers several distinct advantages:

• Extended Range: The motor enables a range exceeding 400 kilometers, significantly surpassing the approximate 300-kilometer limit of the ATACMS.
• Increased Capacity: The optimized diameter of the motor allows two PrSM rounds to fit inside a standard launch pod compatible with M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS launchers. This effectively doubles the firing capacity compared to the single-missile ATACMS pod.
• Speed and Survivability: The system is designed to achieve speeds of Mach 3+, reducing flight time and increasing the probability of penetrating enemy air defenses.

Industrial Modernization and the Broader Portfolio

Northrop Grumman used the January 20 event to showcase its wider industrial capabilities. The company reports that the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory has undergone significant transformation, evolving into a “digital factory.” This includes the integration of a new Missile Integration Facility (MIF) and the use of digital twins to streamline the supply-chain.

Frank DeMauro, Vice President of Weapon Systems at Northrop Grumman, noted the role of infrastructure in meeting current demand:

“Northrop Grumman is delivering advanced weapons capabilities at scale today… The cutting-edge Missile Integration Facility expands manufacturing capacity and our team’s ability to deliver for our customers at a critical time.”

The press release indicates that this infrastructure supports more than just the PrSM. It is also pivotal for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), for which Northrop Grumman is a primary supplier, as well as the Mk 72 booster used in Navy Standard Missile systems.

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Value of Consistency

While the technical specifications of the PrSM are impressive, the specific emphasis on the “16th consecutive” test in Northrop Grumman’s messaging points to a deeper strategic narrative: logistics reliability. In the context of recent global conflicts, the ability of the U.S. industrial base to sustain the production of precision munitions has been scrutinized.

By highlighting a flawless streak of acceptance tests, Northrop Grumman is signaling to the Department of Defense that its solid rocket motor supply chain, often a bottleneck in missile production, is stable. This reliability is a prerequisite for the multi-year procurement contracts the Army utilizes to stockpile munitions for potential near-peer deterrence in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM)?
The PrSM is the U.S. Army’s next-generation surface-to-surface missile, designed to replace the ATACMS. It offers longer range, higher speed, and double the loadout capacity per launcher.

Who manufactures the PrSM?
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the missile system, while Northrop Grumman manufactures the solid rocket motor propulsion system.

What is the range of the PrSM Increment 1?
The baseline Increment 1 missile has a range of over 400 kilometers. Future increments are expected to extend this range significantly, potentially up to 1,000 kilometers with advanced propulsion.

Where was the test conducted?
The test took place at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in Rocket Center, West Virginia, a facility operated by Northrop Grumman.

Sources

• Northrop Grumman Official Press Release