Powering Precision: Northrop Grumman’s Tactical Propulsion Portfolio on Display with Successful PrSM Test

When the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1 rocket motor roared to life on the test stand, it wasn't just another static fire - it was a powerful reminder of what Northrop Grumman's propulsion innovations deliver across the battlefield.

Northrop Grumman provides the solid rocket motor to Lockheed Martin as part of the U.S. Army's efforts to modernize its long-range precision strike capabilities. The successful PrSM motor test marks another milestone for the Army's next-generation long-range precision fires program and highlights Northrop Grumman's growing role in developing tactical propulsion systems that are ready now to meet urgent demand.

Performance Proven, Mission Ready

Conducted at the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in Rocket Center, West Virginia, the test validated the performance and reliability of the solid rocket motor that powers the Army's newest tactical strike missile.

"This test is our 16th consecutive, successful, PrSM production acceptance test," said Erik Buice, vice president, Missile Products, Northrop Grumman. "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."

The PrSM Increment 1 rocket motor - designed, cast and tested by Northrop Grumman - demonstrates the company's ability to deliver advanced propulsion solutions rapidly and at scale, leveraging modernized facilities, material science, new hardware design and a robust supplier network.

Part of a Broader Tactical Advantage

While PrSM represents the Army's future in long-range precision fires, it's only one example of how Northrop Grumman's tactical propulsion portfolio is expanding capability across multiple domains.

From short- and medium-range rocket motors for air defense interceptors to advanced boosters for guided munitions, the company's portfolio is the most diversified set of capabilities in missile defense and is engineered to deliver agility, precision and speed to protect power on land, air or at sea.

PrSM is also just one of an array of programs that teams at ABL proudly support to enhance battlefield effectiveness and protection for the Army, including systems such as the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System - which provides highly accurate medium-range fires, and the Integrated Air and Missile Defense portfolio - protecting forces and assets from aerial threats. Equally important, Northrop Grumman supports the full munitions lifecycle, designing, qualifying and producing trusted solutions such as fixed ammunition, warhead and energetic components and fuzes. These combined capabilities ensure consistent performance and scalability across systems from deep strike to close-in defense.

With increased demand across the defense industrial base, Northrop Grumman has invested heavily in modernizing manufacturing and test operations. With nearly 100,000 employees and over 30 million square feet of manufacturing space - more than 500 football fields - the company has the capacity, scale and agility to drive innovation at unprecedented speeds. The result is a tactical propulsion portfolio that's not just preparing for tomorrow's fight - it's delivering today.

"Our teams are proving that readiness isn't a future goal; it's a standard we meet every day," said Erik Buice. "Every successful test, like this one for PrSM, demonstrates that our propulsion is ready when the mission calls."

From the Test Stand to the Front Line

As the Army moves PrSM toward full-rate production, Northrop Grumman's propulsion teams continue to stand behind a growing lineup of rocket motors supporting next-generation systems - designing each motor to deliver precise power, extended range and reliable performance.

With demand for PrSM rising and production ramping up, Northrop Grumman is scaling capacity while continuing to advance propulsion and next generation munitions technologies.