EuroPULS was selected by the Federal Ministry of Defence several months ago as the replacement for MARS II multiple rocket launchers transferred to Ukraine. Earlier this year, the Bundeswehr ordered the system, reportedly five launchers, with Elbit Systems responsible for the PULS system and KNDS Deutschland for the German components, including fire control, command systems and the vehicle platform.
Under the contract, EuroPULS was expected to become the Bundeswehr’s standard system in its class, potentially acquired in large numbers across corps- and division-level units. These plans could involve more than 150 launchers, but they may now be affected by Washington’s decision.
The German government is reported to have submitted several requests in recent years to integrate PULS with GMLRS missiles, which are used by MARS II, comparable NATO systems and increasingly by HIMARS. Without approval, Germany cannot rely on backward ammunition compatibility, complicating cooperation with other users, despite PULS being purchased or selected by Denmark, the Netherlands and likely Greece, with Austria also mentioned by foreign commentators.
Spain had been expected to become another NATO European user of PULS, but a 2023 contract for 16 launchers was cancelled.
According to the report, one key reason for the U.S. rejection is the need to share sensitive information on missiles and subsystems of the M142 and M270A2 launchers with competitors, including Israel’s Elbit and Germany’s KNDS Deutschland.
Source: Euroactiv.
