The Dutch Ministry of Defence intends to purchase PULS Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) from Israeli defence company Elbit Systems. The research phase for the system showed that there are 2 systems that meet the Dutch Army requirements: the HIMARS system and the PULS system. The PULS system distinguishes itself in various areas. Compared to the HIMARS system, it can carry more missiles. It is also possible to purchase more rockets with the budget and they are available earlier. In addition, PULS will be suitable for ammunition from European manufacturers in the future. This offers prospects for international cooperation in order to increase European autonomy.
Elbit Systems Land has decades of experience in the design, development and manufacture of a wide range of advanced, accurate and fast response artillery rocket and missile weapon systems. Flagship products include the PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System), a precise and universal launching system delivering next generation fire support, and an array of precise rockets and missiles. 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 300 km.
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. PULS is designed to maximize response with optimal firing flexibility, without the need for special modifications to the system. A typical firing mission can be executed in less than one minute from initiation.
After having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June last year, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Elbit Systems Deutschland have agreed to intensify their strategic cooperation. Background is the modernisation and the capability extension of the European Multiple Launch Rocket System. Elbit provides a modern effector portfolio, to fully comply with the MLRS-User demands from extended range rockets to new training ammunition which will enable the user to “train as you fight” on national proving grounds. KMW and Elbit have established the concept “Euro-PULS” for the next generation European Long Range Rocket Artillery as the successor system for the MLRS.
