German Army receives permission to purchase Israeli PULS multiple launch rocket systems
The German army has received parliamentary approval to purchase the first batch of Elbit's PULS rocket artillery systems. This decision may force Berlin to turn to European ammunition suppliers in the future.
Here's What We Know
The move, announced just before the Christmas holidays as part of a larger series of funding authorisations for the German armed forces, means that the Bundeswehr could spend approximately $68 million on five systems.
The selection of PULS, proposed by Elbit in conjunction with German-French contractor KNDS, now puts an end to a fierce competition to be Germany's primary next-generation multiple launcher system. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall offered a proposal called GMARS, which also included Lockheed munitions, including guided missiles for MLRS. In the end, the Lockheed-Rheinmetall proposal was not enough, a German defence ministry spokesman told Defence News.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz walks past the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MARS II). Illustration: AFP
The decision in favour of PULS is intended to deepen cooperation between the artillery forces of Germany and neighbouring Netherlands, which has previously purchased the Israeli product and whose contract includes a counterpart option for future German purchases.
"The Dutch army is deeply integrated into the German army structures and the use of a common weapons system will ensure further cooperation," the spokesman wrote in response to journalists' questions.
PULS, which is short for Precise and Universal Launching System, allows for the selection of a custom fire control system, thus allowing user countries to choose their own munitions for integration, the spokesman added.
Source: DefenceNews
