In October 2023, Germany began the process of procuring five PULS rocket systems from Israel. This weapon from Elbit Systems is intended to replace the M270 (nationally known as MARS II), which was transferred to Ukraine in July 2022.
However, as of now, the German armed forces have only "approached" this procurement. This information comes from a publication by Hartpunkt, which, citing its sources, reported that the budget committee of the Bundestag is expected to allocate 25 million euros for this purpose soon.
Only after this funding is secured can a firm contract be signed, and then we can await the production by Elbit Systems, with deliveries anticipated in 2025. It is important to note that the 25 million euros are allocated solely for the purchase of launchers, excluding rockets. Ammunition for this system will evidently be procured at a later date.
The publication also mentions that Berlin plans to spend a total of 65 million euros on integrating German command and communication systems into the Israeli PULS, as well as on their operational support. At the same time, Elbit Systems and KNDS have already showcased a joint project, EuroPULS, which will also launch cruise missiles and drones.
However, regarding the three-year delay between the transfer of M270 in the summer of 2022 and the expected receipt of replacement systems in 2025, Elbit Systems is certainly not to blame. For instance, Denmark, after transferring 19 wheeled Caesar howitzers to Ukraine, decided to replace them with Israeli ATMOS and PULS howitzers. By spending 133 million dollars in March 2023 for eight systems along with missiles, Denmark is set to receive all by May 2024.
It is worth recalling that the PULS system allows for the use of various types of missiles, including ballistic ones, with a range of up to 300 km:
- Accular in the 122-mm version with a range of up to 35 km (18 in one package)
- Accular in the 160-mm version with a range of up to 40 km (10 in one package)
- Extra with a range of up to 150 km (4 in one package)
- Predator Hawk with a range of 300 km (2 in one package)
Just days ago, Elbit Systems announced the signing of a new contract with an unnamed European customer for the supply of PULS and reconnaissance drones Hermes 900 for 335 million dollars, with a delivery timeline of up to 3.5 years.