The firings confirmed the system’s operational reliability and compliance with safety standards, while also maintaining operator certification. This marks a significant milestone in the Netherlands’ reintroduction of rocket artillery capabilities after a 19-year absence.
“The test demonstrated that the system is safe and functions as intended,” the Dutch Ministry of Defence stated. The validation follows the February 2024 delivery of the first four temporary PULS units to the Royal Netherlands Army for training and familiarisation.
These initial systems were mounted on Tatra 815-7 6×6 trucks and will later be upgraded to the final Dutch configuration. The definitive version will feature Scania Gryphus 8×8 trucks with armoured cabins and autoloading cranes, enabling crews to load rocket pods independently.
In May 2023, the Netherlands signed a contract worth approximately €280 million (USD 305 million) with Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems for the supply of 20 PULS launchers over five years. The full programme, valued at €515.3 million, also includes fire control systems, training ammunition, command infrastructure, simulators, and spare parts.
Deliveries of the remaining 16 launchers, already configured on the Gryphus platform, are planned for 2025 and 2026. These new systems significantly enhance the Dutch Army’s long-range firepower and are essential for deterrence and combat effectiveness.
In line with this development, the Ministry of Defence also announced the formation of a new fire support unit, 11 Afdeling Rijdende Artillerie. This step underscores the Netherlands’ commitment to strengthening its land-based military capabilities.
