The German Armed Forces have secured a contract valued at approximately $57 million to acquire the PULS Rocket Launcher Artillery System.
The order, executed through agreements between the Dutch, Israeli, and German governments, will see Elbit Systems Ltd., in collaboration with KNDS Deutschland, supply the advanced rocket artillery systems to the Bundeswehr.
Under the contract, Elbit Systems and KNDS Deutschland will deliver rocket artillery systems that include the development of associated adaptations and the integration of German C4I equipment—such as command and weapons control systems.
The systems are slated to undergo rigorous testing by the German procurement agency BAAINBw and relevant technical test centers to achieve in-service approval. Additionally, the contract covers comprehensive in-service support for the systems.
In a news update, Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit System Land, was quoted as saying,
“We are proud to have been selected, together with KNDS Deutschland, to deliver the Rocket Launcher Artillery System solution, which aims to set the foundation for the Bundeswehr’s Future Long-Range Indirect Fire System. This acquisition paves the way for future orders of the Euro-PULS configuration and highlights the strength of our European collaboration with KNDS Deutschland, reflecting our joint-commitment to delivering advanced, operationally proven, flexible, and cost-effective solutions that enhance the operational capabilities of our customers.”
Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS Deutschland, was also quoted as saying,
“The cooperation between Elbit Systems and KNDS Deutschland marks a milestone in the development of a European Indirect Fire System for rockets. Elbit’s technology meets the European systems know-how of KNDS. As the OEM for European land systems such as the Leopard 2 and PzH 2000, KNDS will ensure that the PULS Systems becomes the EuroPULS. The common joint venture, EuroPULS, is the proper approach to cooperate on eyelevel as partner.”
The EuroPULS Rocket Launcher Artillery System features an open-architecture, adaptable design that allows for the integration of an Advanced Launcher Module onto a variety of platforms. The system also supports the use of third-party munitions, enabling it to fire rocket munitions produced by other original equipment manufacturers.
The contract is expected to play a pivotal role in modernising the Bundeswehr’s long-range indirect fire capabilities, reinforcing Germany’s commitment to enhancing its operational readiness through international collaboration and advanced technology integration.
“The system also supports the use of third-party munitions, enabling it to fire rocket munitions produced by other original equipment manufacturers.”
If the OEM allows it….the Danish fell for this as well. They’ve now got the surprise that they cannot in fact incorporate GMLRS, GMLRS-ER or PrSM in the future…
In reality the only non-Israeli munition that can be fired is the 122mm unguided rocket from the Soviet Grad….plenty of countries make that, but its hardly a capability Denmark, Netherlands and Germany will look for….
Honestly cannot believe that European countries after Israel blocking EuroSpike missile supply to Ukraine are going back to the Israelis…..they must be mad.
Why can’t they? AIUI the launcher isn’t the money maker, it’s the munitions. So is it that GMLRS-ER has hasn’t been integrated yet or what?
Because the management of LM refused to intergrate GMLRS and other HIMARS missiles into the system.
Because the US has refused.
They have no interest in enabling a competitor….
Actually is not bad that Spikes were not employed in Ukraine, it means Russians are not familiar with it and being the mainstay of Europe anti AFV missile defence it retains a modicum of surprise.
Russia is familiar as examples have been captured by the Iranians before and revers engineered into the Almas ATGM.
This might mean that PULS will be compatible with ELSA and its variants.
And what about South Korean systems like Block-II CTM290. Using non American missiles could be an advantage what with supply and political issues brewing. Deeply concerned about Trump pushing for US weapons to be acquired by Europeans and others as part of tariff threats when you just know part of the aim will be to force the acquirers to bow to to US foreign policy in any major power agreements. Europe needs to become as independent as possible in weaponry because I don’t think we can presume that this is going to be just a 4 year hiatus of US self serving big power politics.
Going from US dependence to Israeli or South Korean dependence is not a sensible thing….
European IP and production is vital.
ELSA is far too big for PULS, Chunmoo or M270/HIMARS I’m afraid….
For example MdCN is over 21 ft long, with booster its closer to 24 feet. GMLRS is 12 ft long….
You can really get amongst the working class with this system, wonderful to see it getting sold around the world. Yay.