Berlin (Agencies): The German parliament has approved the purchase of Elbit Systems’ PULS rocket artillery systems, marking a significant step in strengthening Germany’s artillery capabilities. The initial deal, valued at approximately €65 million ($68 million), will equip the Bundeswehr with five units, reinforcing cooperation with European allies, particularly the Netherlands.
The decision, part of broader defense funding approvals before the Christmas break, comes after a closely contested competition. A joint bid by Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall for the GMARS system was ultimately set aside due to the lack of a usable prototype, according to Germany’s Ministry of Defense.
The PULS system, developed by Israel’s Elbit and offered through German-French defense contractor KNDS, allows integration with various national munitions, enhancing flexibility for future procurement. This aligns Germany’s artillery capabilities with the Netherlands, which has already integrated PULS into its forces.
Berlin is also in ongoing discussions with Washington to determine if U.S.-supplied Guided MLRS (GMLRS) rockets, heavily used in Ukraine, can be fired from the PULS platform. Lockheed Martin, however, has previously stated that its MLRS Family of Munitions cannot be integrated with PULS, posing potential limitations.
Elbit has partnered with Germany’s Diehl Defence and pan-European missile manufacturer MBDA, signaling growing European interest in diversifying long-range missile capabilities to counter emerging threats, particularly from Russia.