TSAMTO, April 3. The European conglomerate KNDS and the Israeli Elbit Systems have reached an agreement on the creation of a joint venture EuroPULS with equal equity participation (50:50) in order to market the universal MLRS EuroPULS, created on the basis of MLRS PULS.
According to Jane's Defense Weekly, the joint venture's headquarters will be located in Kassel. The purpose of the joint venture is to meet the demand from the armed forces of European countries for multiple launch rocket systems.
According to Axel Scheibel, Chief Technical Officer of KNDS Deutschland, Elbit provides its proven PULS MLRS for the joint venture, while KNDS provides advanced fire control technologies and an extensive European customer base.
KNDS Deutschland has already funded the development of the EuroPULS Multi-domain Artillery Rocket System (MARS) 3 MLRS on an Iveco Trakker GTF3 8x8 chassis equipped with a protected cabin. The combat weight of MARS 3 is less than 38 tons, the crew is three people. The 500 hp engine provides a maximum speed of 90 km/h and a range of more than 750 km. The system is suitable for transportation by air.
The EuroPULS system is expected to meet European production and safety standards, receive a modular fire control system, as well as integration capabilities with the C4I automated control system. The artillery unit, mounted in the aft part of the chassis, is equipped with two transport and launch containers with rockets and missiles of various types and calibers. It is assumed that in addition to the Israeli RS, it will be able to use European-designed ammunition. KNDS Deutschland stated that a salvo of 12 missiles can be fired in 60 seconds.
Currently, it is possible to use ACCULAR missiles (maximum firing range is 40 km), 306–mm tactical Extra (Extended Range Artillery) missiles with a launch range of up to 150 km, or 370-mm Predator Hawk missiles (launch range from 50 to 300 km).
Upon obtaining the appropriate permits, the Norwegian Kongsberg NSM anti-ship missile with a range of more than 200 km and the JFSM (Joint Fire Support Missile) cruise missile developed by MBDA with a launch range of up to 499 km can also be integrated into MARS 3.
As stated, EuroPULS is platform-independent and can be mounted on Tatra 6x6, Scania 8x8, Iveco 8x8, CV-90 tracked armored vehicles at the customer's choice.
After receiving the approval of the Bundestag Budget Committee in February 2025, the German Armed Forces placed an order for the supply of five MLRS PULS. Under a $57 million contract, Elbit Systems and KNDS Deutschland will supply launchers with the necessary modifications and integrate German C4I equipment.
The purchase of PULS is being implemented as an option for the supply of these systems to the Dutch Armed Forces. The purchase decision will deepen cooperation between the German and Dutch Armed Forces in the field of MLRS operation and support. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
The delivered MLRS will be tested under the supervision of the German Federal Office for Armaments, Information Technology and Maintenance (BAAINBw) and related technical testing centers in order to obtain approval for use in the German Armed Forces. The agreement also provides for support of the systems during operation.
In addition to the Dutch Armed Forces, the PULS MLRS was ordered by the Danish Armed Forces, and in November 2024, Elbit Systems announced a contract for the supply of these systems to another unnamed European country. Potentially, these customers can create a group of PULS users to share their operational experience in order to save money and improve the efficiency of MLRS use.
