US Central Command (CENTCOM) has destroyed 50 Iranian naval vessels using ballistic missiles fired from HIMARS launchers during the first 10 days of Operation Epic Fury.
The campaign marks the first known combat use of the Army’s new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and signals a major shift in how America fights naval battles.
Air Force Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced the strikes at a Pentagon press conference, confirming that American forces used artillery, fighters, bombers, and sea-launched missiles to neutralize Iran’s navy.
American forces targeted Iranian ships using a combination of weapons systems over a 10-day period. The operation destroyed 50 naval vessels, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s maritime capabilities in the region.
Officials have consistently stated that crippling Iran’s navy stands as a core objective of the ongoing campaign. The strikes demonstrate new ways the U.S. can engage enemy ships from long distances.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) directed the operation, employing M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) stationed in the region. These mobile launchers fired Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) munitions at Iranian vessels.
The launchers operate from undisclosed locations, though empty ammunition pods recently appeared in Kuwait, suggesting launches originated there. Tracked M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems are likely to have participated as well.
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The US military needed ways to hit enemy ships without putting aircraft or ships in harm’s way. Ballistic missiles fly at extreme speeds, making them nearly impossible to intercept compared to slower cruise missiles or aircraft.
This capability proves especially valuable in crowded waterways where enemy defenses concentrate. The strikes also send messages to other adversaries watching how America fights.
HIMARS launchers fire pods containing different munitions. ATACMS missiles load one per pod and can hit targets up to 186 miles away. The newer PrSM loads two per pod and extends range beyond 310 miles, giving commanders greater standoff.
Standard artillery rockets max out at around 93 miles, too short to reach Iranian targets from most launch points in the region. The shortest distance between Bahrain and Iran is roughly 120 miles, requiring extended-range munitions.
The current operation represents the first time the U.S. military has used ballistic missiles to target ships in actual combat. Previous versions of ATACMS lacked the ability to hit moving vessels, meaning they could only strike ships at anchor or in port.
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Photographic evidence shows Iranian ships hit while stationary, suggesting ATACMS performed these attacks. However, the PrSM combat debut raises questions about whether an anti-ship version has already reached the field.
The Army has pursued anti-ship capabilities for years, testing PrSM variants against moving maritime targets as recently as June 2024. Whether these advanced versions participated in Operation Epic Fury remains unconfirmed by officials.
Iran and its Houthi proxies have used anti-ship ballistic missiles since 2023, making them the first to employ this technology in combat. America has played catch-up in this area compared to China’s military investments.
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The experience gained targeting Iranian ships will prove valuable for future conflicts, particularly any potential confrontation with China in the Pacific. PrSM’s extended range makes it ideal for the vast distances of that theater.
Ballistic missiles offer unique advantages against warships. Their high terminal velocity helps them penetrate armored decks, while the compressed reaction time overwhelms ship defense systems. This combat debut signals that future naval battles will look very different from those of the past.
