The German Ministry of Defense confirmed that the decision was the result of several months of deliberation.
In the selection process, Elbit’s PULS system, which was offered jointly with the German-French defense company KNDS, beat out the bids of Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall.
A GMARS system offered by Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall, which was based on HIMARS, was ultimately rejected, because it did not meet Germany’s time schedule and no usable prototype was available.
The PULS system is expected provides more flexibility for Germany in terms of artillery capabilities for the currently used MARS 2 rocket launchers.
Although it is not yet clear whether Germany will integrate the American one used by Ukraine GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) missiles, Elbit assured Berlin that PULS could be configured to launch them. (Lockheed Martin has previously claimed that PLUS and GMLRS are incompatible) However, this is subject to US approval.
In addition to Germany, other European countries are also investing in PULS systems. The Netherlands recently signed a $305 million contract for 20 units, Denmark has already received the entire stockpile of eight units, Spain placed an order for 16 units, and Serbia recently indicated that they too plan to regularize this weapon system.
Cover image: life-size model of Euro-PULS developed according to the needs of Germany and other European states. Front page image source: Matti Blume via Wikimedia Commons
Source: www.portfolio.hu
