Denmark conducts the first test of its Israeli PULS rocket system.

On July 2, 2024, Denmark's new Israeli PULS rocket launcher system was tested and fired on Danish soil for the first time. The initial launch occurred at 10:05 AM at the Oksbøl Shooting and Training Range. From its position at Oksbøl, the rocket was launched approximately 10 kilometers into the North Sea, where it landed as planned without any explosive payload. This event marks a notable step in the integration of the system and the training of the Danish soldiers who will operate these launchers.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The initial launch occurred at 10:05 AM at the Oksbøl Shooting and Training Range. From its position at Oksbøl, the rocket was launched approximately 10 kilometers into the North Sea, where it landed as planned without any explosive payload. (Picture source: Danish MoD)

The preparations for this event spanned several months, involving extensive planning and training with the new system. The first PULS systems arrived in Denmark about a year ago. Since then, soldiers from the Army and technicians from the Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) have collaborated closely with technicians from the supplier, Elbit, to integrate the PULS system into the Danish Army. Brigadier General Henrik Lyhne, Deputy Commander of the Army, noted that the system works as intended and produces a significant sound. He mentioned that the Army had been missing such a system, which now provides increased firepower and range. The system's flexibility, capable of firing various types of missiles, was also highlighted.

The integration of new equipment is a time-consuming process. The test firing continued throughout the day, with precise measurements taken for each launch and rocket. These live-fire tests were also used to measure the noise levels produced by the PULS systems and to assess the amount of exhaust gases in the cabin where the crew operates. Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Hvilsom, Head of the Combat Support Division at DALO, described the firing as the result of a considerable effort from all involved, including the Danish Artillery Regiment, the Defence Maintenance Service, Elbit, and DALO. He noted that a rocket could leave the launcher just nine days after the rockets arrived in Denmark.

The head of the Danish Artillery Regiment, Colonel Michael A. Villumsen, emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting that the first test firing was a significant day for the regiment. Soldiers in the Danish Artillery Regiment had been anticipating this event for some time. The acquisition of the rocket launcher system has been largely carried out as planned, with support from the Israeli manufacturer. The regiment now looks forward to training the soldiers on the new weapon system in Latvia in an appropriate operational setting.

Brigadier General Henrik Lyhne, Deputy Commander of the Danish Army, noted that the Army had been missing such a system, which now provides increased firepower and range. (Picture source: Danish MoD)

The PULS system, mounted on Tatra 815-7 Force 6x6 trucks like the Dutch systems, is expected to be ready for operational use by 2026. As of May 2024, Denmark has received all its Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) along with most of the ordered PULS munitions, allowing for training to begin.

A spokesperson for the Danish Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) previously said that 19 ATMOS were scheduled to be delivered from the first to the fourth quarter of 2024 and eight PULS systems from the second quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024, with full operational capability planned for 2025. In addition to a missile package, the PULS procurement includes a command post and supply vehicles. Elbit Systems tweeted in August 2023 that Denmark had received its first ATMOS and PULS. The tweet included a video of one ATMOS on an 8×8 platform and two PULSs on 6×6 platforms being delivered to a Danish port.

The Precision Fires Launcher System (PULS), developed by Elbit Systems, is a mobile artillery rocket system recognized for its precision and flexibility. This system, presenting potential benefits for contemporary military operations, has been sold to various countries. Notably, Spain has expressed interest in the PULS under the High Mobility Rocket Launcher System (SILAM) program, along with Germany and Denmark within Europe.

Equipped with two pods, each intended for specific rocket types, the PULS launcher enhances its versatility. These rocket variants include the Accular 122mm (featuring 18 rockets with a range of up to 35 kilometers), the Accular 160mm (offering 10 rockets with a range of up to 40 kilometers), EXTRA (comprising 4 rockets with a range of up to 150 kilometers), and the Predator Hawk (including 2 rockets with a range of 300 kilometers). This range of rocket options enables the system to address various threats, from close-range tactical targets to distant strategic objectives.

Designed for rapid mission execution, the PULS system can initiate and complete a standard firing mission in less than one minute. This quick response time ensures timely fire support on the battlefield. Furthermore, its adaptability allows seamless integration with various military vehicles, whether tracked or wheeled, with minimal modifications required. This adaptability could potentially reduce implementation and maintenance costs, providing a practical solution for achieving advanced rocket and missile launching capabilities.

While the current Dutch systems are also mounted on Tatra 815-7 Force 6x6 trucks, plans are in place to transfer them to Scania Gryphus trucks equipped with armored cabins. (Picture source: Venator News)