Germany Announces Delay in Acquisition of PULS Rocket Artillery Systems.

The acquisition of the five PULS (Purpose Universal Launching System) multiple rocket launchers, intended to replace the five MARS II rocket artillery systems given to Ukraine, is facing another six-month delay. Additionally, there are still uncertainties regarding whether the PULS launchers can fire GMLRS rockets.
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The PULS is a multiple rocket launcher system developed by Elbit Systems. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

According to current plans from the Ministry of Defense (BMVg), the proposal for the procurement of the five PULS launchers is now scheduled for late 2024. This information comes from a June 5, 2024, response from the BMVg to a question by CDU Bundestag member Ingo Gädechens, a member of the Budget Committee, as seen by Hartpunkt. Previous responses from the BMVg indicated that the proposal was expected in the first quarter of 2024 (as of October 2023) and then before the summer break of 2024 (as of January 2024).

Moreover, it remains unresolved whether the new artillery systems will be authorized to fire US-made GMLRS rockets, similar to those used in the MARS II system. In January 2024, the BMVg mentioned that the integration of these rockets would require "approval from the US government for the use of military GPS frequencies and receivers, as well as the release of interface documents from the GMLRS manufacturer," which seemed possible at the time. The Ministry stated that during discussions between German and US defense directors, there was an indication of a willingness to grant this approval.

However, progress in this matter appears to be minimal. The June 5, 2024, response indicates that the US government has yet to make a final decision on the approval for the use of military GPS frequencies and receivers and the release of the necessary interface documents from the GMLRS manufacturer.

In October 2023, the German government officially confirmed that the five MARS II systems given to Ukraine would be replaced by five PULS rocket artillery systems from Elbit Systems, procured through the Netherlands. The Netherlands had already signed a procurement agreement with the Israeli government in April 2023, which included an option for additional systems for alliance partners.

The choice of PULS over other options was based on a comparison of available systems, including an updated version of MARS II and the HIMARS system. The decision was made with an eye toward accelerated procurement, with criteria including fulfillment of requirements, delivery timelines, cooperation in procurement, and interoperability with alliance partners.

As part of an intensified collaboration, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Elbit Systems presented the Euro-PULS in December 2022, a successor to the MARS/MLRS artillery system based on Elbit's PULS. The Euro-PULS could be equipped with a fire control system from MARS II and include a broader range of munitions. This could include German rockets like the AT-2 or a potential SMArt rocket if the Bundeswehr decides to procure such a system.

The PULS, also known as Lynx, is a multiple rocket launcher system developed by Israel Military Industries, now part of Elbit Systems. Designed to meet a variety of tactical and strategic needs, the PULS has been deployed in several conflicts, including the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the Israel-Hamas War.

The PULS is distinguished by its ability to fire different sizes of rockets, ranging from 122 mm to 370 mm, thus offering great flexibility in terms of range and firepower. This system is capable of launching rockets with calibers of 122 mm, 160 mm, 306 mm, 330 mm, and 370 mm, covering a wide range of military applications.

One of the most remarkable features of the PULS is its maximum firing range, which can reach up to 300 km, making it an extremely powerful tool for long-distance missions. Additionally, the sophisticated guidance system integrated into the PULS ensures remarkable accuracy, thus increasing its effectiveness on the battlefield.

The PULS, with its capabilities for launching tactical ballistic missiles, represents a significant advancement in multiple rocket launcher technology, offering the military operational flexibility and enhanced strike power to respond to modern threats.

At ILA 2024, the Euro-PULS rocket artillery system will be showcased with potential guided missile armament, including four Joint Fire Support Missiles from MBDA Germany.