On February 6th
Elbit Systems announced it will deliver the first batch of Euro PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) artillery systems to the German Armed Forces, marking a significant step in European defense cooperation. The initial contract, valued at $65 million, sees Elbit overcoming competition from American defense giant Lockheed Martin and Germany’s own Rheinmetall, which had proposed the GMARS (Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System) to Germany. The choice of Elbit’s PULS system is widely believed to stem from its recent success in the Netherlands and Denmark, who also acquired similar systems. This follows a May 2023 announcement that Elbit secured a $305 million contract to supply the Royal Netherlands Army with PULS systems, and a subsequent confirmation in August 2023 that Denmark would receive a PULS battery.
MP Philip Krämer, a Member of the German Bundestag’s Defense Committee
“The procurement of the PULS artillery rocket system, alongside the Netherlands, represents another successful chapter in German-Israeli arms cooperation. It aligns perfectly with the strong military ties between the two countries. Furthermore, it advances German-Dutch military integration, which significantly bolsters European defense capabilities.” (Source: ELNET)
In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s growing threat to northeastern Europe, the simultaneous acquisition of Israeli PULS systems by the Netherlands, Denmark, and now Germany will further strengthen their defense collaboration, as these nations now operate similar artillery systems.
Mr. Yehuda (Udi) Vered, Elbit Systems Land’s General Manager
“We are honored to have been chosen, in partnership with KNDS Deutschland, to deliver this advanced Rocket Launcher Artillery System. This contract lays the foundation for the Bundeswehr’s future Long-Range Indirect Fire System and signals potential future orders of the Euro-PULS configuration. Our strong European collaboration with KNDS Deutschland underscores our joint commitment to providing proven, flexible, and cost-effective solutions to enhance our customers’ operational capabilities.” (Source: Elbit)
The EuroPULS Rocket Launcher Artillery System, developed through a collaboration between Elbit Systems and KNDS Deutschland, boasts an open-architecture, adaptable design that allows the Advanced Launcher Module to be integrated onto a variety of platforms. Moreover, the system is compatible with third-party munitions, enabling it to fire rocket projectiles from other manufacturers.
Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS Deutschland
“The partnership between Elbit Systems and KNDS Deutschland represents a key milestone in the development of a European Indirect Fire System for rockets. Elbit’s cutting-edge technology, combined with KNDS’s European systems expertise, will make the PULS system the EuroPULS. As the OEM for European land systems such as the Leopard 2 and PzH 2000, KNDS will ensure the system’s seamless integration into the European defense landscape.” (Source: Elbit)
This latest industrial deal between Europe and Israel strengthens the strategic partnership, which is more crucial today than ever before.
To read more on European MPs perception on Israel and how they envision their country’s future partnerships, read ELNET’s Israel Survey for the year 2024 below: