A European country has awarded Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems a $235-million contract to supply PULS rocket artillery launchers and EXTRA-MR (medium-range) rockets.
Elbit has not named the customer, but Israeli outlet Globes identified it as Azerbaijan.
Under the government-to-government agreement, deliveries will take place over three years. The contract also covers additional rocket artillery-related platforms and integrated logistics support.
The deal comes amid renewed momentum in Israel-Azerbaijan defense ties, with Israeli firm Ari Arms recently inaugurating a rifle manufacturing plant in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan has extensively used Israeli weapons, particularly during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. These include Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles, Israel Aerospace Industries’ LORA ballistic missiles and Harop loitering munitions, and Israeli-made Spike anti-tank missiles.
“This contract award further strengthens Elbit Systems’ position as a global leader in rocket artillery systems and reflects the growing international demand for our advanced rocket and launcher capabilities,” Elbit President and CEO Bezhalel Machlis said.
He added that an increasing number of customers worldwide, including European countries and NATO members, have selected PULS and its precision rocket systems.
Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS)
Elbit Systems’ PULS is a modular rocket artillery system capable of firing guided and unguided rockets, tactical ballistic missiles, and loitering munitions from a single launcher, with ranges of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles).
Its integrated navigation and mission computer reportedly enables firing from fixed positions or on the move in under a minute. The system can engage multiple targets, with a reported circular error probable of less than 5 meters (16 feet), and launch loitering munitions at ranges of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles).
PULS can be mounted on wheeled or tracked platforms, offering deployment flexibility and potentially reducing maintenance and training requirements.
The contract also covers EXTRA-MR, a precision-guided rocket designed to strike high-value targets at ranges of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles).