U.S. uses new PrSM ballistic missile for first time in strikes on Iran

Journalists note that the “debut” of the new missiles demonstrates a significantly longer range than ATACMS missiles.

Earlier, U.S. Central Command released photographs showing the “first 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury.” One image shows a PrSM missile being launched from a wheeled HIMARS launcher. The new missile is visibly different from ATACMS, particularly in its shape.

Journalists also point out that one of the photos shows an M142 launcher equipped with a two-section ammunition pod, which is also consistent with the PrSM design.

U.S. Central Command also released video footage of short-range ballistic missile launches from HIMARS launchers. The footage may show at least one PrSM launch, as well as launches of ATACMS missiles.

PrSM missiles have a longer range than ATACMS, the report says. The baseline PrSM variant can strike targets at distances of at least 500 kilometers. The U.S. Army ultimately aims to extend that range to 650 kilometers. Journalists note that the Army is also working on an even longer-range version capable of flying at least 1,000 kilometers, and possibly farther.

Analysts add that ATACMS missiles can strike targets at distances of up to 300 kilometers.

It remains unclear from where exactly the PrSM or ATACMS missiles were launched during the strikes on Iran.

Journalists suggest that demonstrating PrSM in real combat operations against Iran could also serve as a signal to other U.S. adversaries, including China.

U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran

On Feb. 28, 2026, Israel and the United States announced strikes on Iran in operations dubbed Roaring Lion (Israel) and Epic Fury (United States).

Numerous explosions were reported in Tehran and several other major Iranian cities. Strikes were reported on the residences of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as on military and nuclear facilities. Satellite imagery showed that Khamenei’s palace was completely destroyed.

Iranian state media confirmed that Khamenei was killed on the morning of Feb. 28 in Israeli and U.S. strikes. The death of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour was also confirmed. According to the IRNA news agency, the attack also killed Ali Shamkhani, the supreme leader’s top security adviser.

In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel. Iranian missiles also struck Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, with reports of attacks on U.S. military bases.