Netherlands army boosts ground support with PULS Precise and Universal rocket Launch Systems.

The Netherlands is acquiring new US and Israeli-made long-range weapons systems for its armed forces, junior Defence minister Christophe van der Maat has confirmed. The equipment will strengthen the country’s firepower via rocket artillery for the army and long-range weapons for the navy and air force.
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At the heart of the PULS system is a modular launch platform that can be configured to accommodate a range of missile types, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surface-to-air missiles (Picture source: Elbit Systems)

"The war in Ukraine shows once again that fire support over short, medium and long ranges is essential", Dutch junior Defence minister Christophe van der Maat said. "With the new systems, the Ministry of Defence further substantiates NATO’s common combat power and deterrence".

The Dutch army will buy the Israeli-made PULS (Precise and Universal Launch System) system in 2023, meaning it will have its own rocket artillery for the first time in years. The Minister said: "Rocket artillery allows army units to take out enemy targets with precision. This includes air defense and fire support systems, headquarters and logistics hubs. With long-range weapons, naval ships are able to take out targets in an opponent’s territory. At present, Dutch naval vessels do not have armaments that are powerful enough and reach far enough to disable bunkers, for example". Denmark is also investing in the PULS system, while Germany is looking into it.

The Minister says it offers "prospects for international cooperation in order to increase European autonomy". In February 2023, the US approved a foreign military sale to The Netherlands worth $670 million for 20 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment.

The PULS (Precise and Universal Launch System) missile system is a highly advanced and versatile platform designed to meet the evolving needs of modern military operations. Developed by Elbit Systems, PULS incorporates cutting-edge technologies and features a range of advanced capabilities that enable it to deliver precision strikes against a wide variety of targets.

The multi-purpose launcher features two pods, each of them being designed for a specific rocket type (Picture source: Elbit Systems)

At the heart of the PULS system is a modular launch platform that can be configured to accommodate a range of missile types, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surface-to-air missiles. This modular design allows operators to quickly and easily swap out missile payloads to suit the specific mission requirements, providing unparalleled flexibility and adaptability. Unlike standard artillery, with PULS there is no need to move artillery units based on the required firing range; the versatile solution can fire a variety of ammunition types to various ranges from the same position to ranges of up to 300km. The multi-purpose launcher features two pods; each pod is designed for a specific rocket type: the Accular 122mm (18 rockets) with a range of up to 35km, the Accular 160mm (10 rockets) with a range of up to 40km, the Extra (4 rockets) with a range of up to 150km and the Predator Hawk (2 rockets) with a range of up to 300km. The system can accurately and effectively neutralize the specified targets at all ranges.

The PULS system is also equipped with advanced guidance and targeting systems that allow for precise targeting of both stationary and moving targets, even in complex and dynamic operational environments. These systems include a sophisticated radar system that can track multiple targets simultaneously, as well as advanced GPS and inertial navigation systems that provide accurate location data for targets.

Another key feature of the PULS system is its advanced communications capabilities, which allow operators to communicate with other platforms and command centers in real-time. This enables operators to quickly share critical information and coordinate actions with other units, ensuring that the PULS system can operate effectively as part of a larger military force.

The PULS system is also designed with a range of advanced safety features, including redundant systems and fail-safe mechanisms that ensure the system can operate reliably even in the face of unexpected challenges or failures. This helps to ensure that the system can deliver precision strikes with minimal risk to operators or other personnel.

PULS launcher and a pod re-supply vehicle (Picture source: Elbit Systems)

Defense News April 2023