The German Parliament has approved a 65-million-euro ($68 million) purchase of an initial batch of five Elbit-made PULS rocket artillery systems for the German Army.
It is part of record defense spending of 20 billion euros ($20.7 billion) approved last month.
The decision ends speculation over the replacement of the five MARS II Multiple Launch Rocket Systems sent to Ukraine.
The MARS II is a European variant of Lockheed’s tracked M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System.
Germany is left with around 35 of the systems, requiring a larger replacement.
MARS II Replacement
Meanwhile, a competing offer to replace the MARS II was placed by Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall in the form of the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS).
The system combines Rheinmetall’s HX 8×8 truck with Lockheed’s two-pod multiple rocket launcher, leveraging Lockheed’s weapons offerings such as the long-range Precision Strike Missile and the Army Tactical Missile System.
However, the offer “wasn’t far enough along,” Defense News wrote, citing a German Ministry of Defense spokesman.
“A usable prototype was not available,” the outlet quoted the spokesman as saying.
Collaboration With The Netherlands
The five PULS, or Precise and Universal Launching System, systems will be procured from Elbit Systems via the Netherlands, which has already placed an order of 20 systems for $305 million.
“The Dutch army is deeply integrated into German army structures, and the use of a common weapon system will enable further cooperation,” Defense News quoted the spokesman as saying.
According to Hartpunkt, the systems for Germany will be bought via an option within the framework of a procurement contract between the Dutch and Israeli governments.
In addition to the systems, the procurement includes the integration of German command and communication equipment and in-service support.
According to Hartpunkt, the German PULS would be integrated into 8×8 IVECO Trakker platforms.
The first systems are expected to arrive in 2025, the outlet added.
Precise and Universal Launching System
The system can be mounted on both tracked and wheeled platforms and supports a variety of munitions with a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles).
The system allows the installation of a national fire control system, enabling countries to employ munitions of their choice.
Elbit has assured that the system also supports Lockheed’s GMLRS munition, available with many NATO countries. However, it requires Washington’s political approval.
“Germany is in close coordination with the United States” to that end, Defense News quoted the spokesman as saying.
Meanwhile, MBDA has proposed arming the system with an in-development Joint Fire Support Missile with a range of 499 kilometers (310 miles).
In addition, a joint-venture of KMW and Nexter Defense Systems has proposed arming the PULS with the Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile, which has a range of 250 kilometers (155 miles).
