MBDA has unveiled its Land Precision Strike (LPS) concept as a next-generation deep fires solution for the British Army. Designed to bridge the capability gap between tube artillery and long-range missile systems like Storm Shadow and PrSM, LPS leverages artificial intelligence (AI), modularity, and extended range to deliver precision effects in contested environments.
Land Precision Strike Concept: Bridging Fires Gaps
The Land Precision Strike (LPS) concept was first publicly introduced by MBDA at DSEI 2023 as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Future Fires Capability program. It aims to provide an indigenous alternative to U.S.-made Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions and future systems like Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).
LPS is envisioned as a ground-launched missile system capable of delivering precise effects at ranges exceeding 300 km. This would fill a critical gap in the British Army’s fires portfolio—between 155 mm artillery (e.g., AS90 or its successor Mobile Fires Platform) and air-launched long-range strike assets such as Storm Shadow or SPEAR 3.
According to MBDA officials and open-source reporting from DSEI and other defense outlets, LPS is being designed with NATO interoperability in mind. It will likely be compatible with existing launchers such as M270 MLRS and potentially integrated into newer platforms under development by the UK or NATO partners.
AI-Enabled Targeting and Autonomy
A defining feature of LPS is its integration of artificial intelligence for enhanced targeting autonomy. While full specifications remain classified or under development, MBDA has indicated that onboard AI will support:
- Automated target recognition using EO/IR or RF sensors
- Dynamic re-targeting mid-flight based on updated ISR feeds
- Optimized terminal guidance profiles using terrain-aware algorithms
This level of autonomy positions LPS within a growing class of “intelligent munitions” that can operate effectively in GPS-denied or EW-contested environments—a requirement increasingly emphasized by NATO forces operating near peer adversaries.
The use of AI also suggests potential for integration into broader C4ISR networks via Link-16 or other tactical data links. This would allow LPS missiles to receive targeting updates from UAVs, radar systems like Giraffe AMB or Sky Sabre components, or even dismounted JTACs using digital fire control tablets.
Range and Warhead Options Under Development
LPS is expected to offer modular warhead configurations tailored for different mission sets. While final design parameters are not yet confirmed publicly, sources suggest options may include:
- Unitary high-explosive (HE) warheads for point targets
- Fragmentation or blast-frag variants for area denial
- Penetrator variants against hardened structures
- Potential loitering submunition payloads (subject to treaty compliance)
The projected range exceeds 300 km—placing it in direct competition with PrSM Block I capabilities but within reach of NATO intermediate-range strike doctrine. The missile is likely powered by solid-fuel propulsion with thrust-vectoring control surfaces for maneuverability during terminal phase operations.
A European Alternative to GMLRS and PrSM?
The strategic rationale behind LPS includes reducing reliance on U.S.-supplied munitions like GMLRS ER and PrSM. While the UK remains a partner on many U.S.-led programs through Foreign Military Sales (FMS), recent conflicts have highlighted vulnerabilities in transatlantic supply chains during high-intensity operations.
LPS could serve as a sovereign capability that aligns with broader European defense industrial goals—particularly under frameworks such as Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) or the European Defence Fund (EDF). MBDA has previously signaled interest in collaborating across EU nations on modular strike solutions that can be adapted across land/naval platforms.
If adopted by the British Army under its Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team concept—or integrated into NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps—the system could offer scalable fires from brigade through corps level formations.
Procurement Outlook and Program Timeline
The UK Ministry of Defence has not yet issued a formal request for proposals (RFP) regarding LPS but has included it among candidate solutions under its Future Long Range Fires roadmap. The program is part of broader modernization efforts tied to Integrated Review refreshes post-2021.
Key milestones anticipated over the next several years include:
- 2024–2025: Concept validation phase; risk reduction studies funded via MoD innovation pathways such as S&T Portfolio or Rapid Capabilities Office
- 2026–2027: Prototype flight testing; integration trials with existing C2 nodes; possible live-fire demonstrations at Hebrides Range or Salisbury Plain Training Area
- 2028+: Initial Operational Capability if selected; potential export marketing alongside MBDA’s broader surface-to-surface portfolio
LPS may also benefit from synergies with MBDA’s work on other precision weapons such as SPEAR-EW and Akeron MP—especially if common seekers or datalink architectures are shared across families.
Tactical Implications in Peer Conflict Scenarios
If successfully developed and fielded, LPS would significantly enhance the British Army’s ability to conduct deep interdiction missions against enemy C4ISR nodes, logistics hubs, air defense radars, and mobile command posts—all without requiring air-delivered assets vulnerable to A2/AD threats.
This aligns closely with evolving NATO doctrine emphasizing multi-domain operations where long-range precision fires play a central role in shaping battlespace access prior to maneuver force engagement. In Ukraine’s current conflict environment—where HIMARS/GLSDB have shown outsized effects—systems like LPS could offer similar utility while preserving national stockpile control.
A Platform for Export Potential?
If successful domestically, MBDA may position LPS competitively against international offerings such as Israel Aerospace Industries’ EXTRA/LORA systems or South Korea’s KTSSM-II. Its modularity and AI features could appeal particularly to European customers seeking non-U.S., ITAR-free alternatives with scalable integration paths into their own C4ISR ecosystems.
Nations participating in joint exercises like Defender Europe have repeatedly emphasized interoperability gaps between legacy artillery systems and modern ISR-fed kill chains—a space where intelligent deep-strike weapons like LPS could provide disruptive advantage.
Conclusion: Strategic Autonomy Through Smart Firepower
The Land Precision Strike concept represents more than just another missile—it reflects a shift toward smart munitions designed from inception for contested environments where speed-to-target must be matched by decision-quality autonomy. As peer threats evolve their own long-range strike capabilities—including hypersonics—the ability to respond rapidly with sovereign-controlled fires becomes critical not just tactically but strategically within NATO’s deterrence posture.
