Tel Aviv: European countries continue to buy Israel advanced weapon systems. The Israeli and Dutch Ministries of Defence sign first ever GTG defence exports agreement valued at $305 million to supply Elbit Systems-made PULS Rocket Artillery Systems.
Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant stated, “The Israeli defence establishment continues to be a source of national pride and international success for the State of Israel. The defence solutions developed by Israeli defence industries allow us to strengthen our ties with countries around the world as well as enhancing Israel’s global position. I commend this important agreement signed together with the Dutch Ministry of Defence, and am confident that our cooperation will continue to grow.”
Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant approved the agreement led by Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defence, Maj Gen (res) Eyal Zamir that was signed on May 17 (Wednesday) in Holland by Director of SIBAT, Brig Gen (res) Yair Kulas and his Dutch counterpart, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army, Lt Gen M.H. (Martin) Wijnen MMAS.
This is the first GTG defence exports agreement signed between Israel and the Netherlands, and one of the largest agreements signed between Israel and a European country in the past years. The Israel Ministry of Defence will supply Elbit Systems-made PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) artillery rocket systems to the Royal Netherlands Army. The 5-year contract is valued at $305 million.
Under the contract, Elbit Systems will supply 20 PULS artillery rocket systems integrated on the COMMIT (previously DMO) selected truck platform, as well as rockets and missile of various ranges and training and support services. PULS provides a comprehensive, cost effective solution, supporting the firing of both free-flying rockets and precision guided rockets and missiles ranging from 12km and up to 300km. The PULS launcher is a fully adaptable launching system and can be mounted on a broad range of wheeled and tracked platforms, providing a significant reduction in maintenance and training costs for legacy fleets.
Director of SIBAT, Brig Gen (res) Yair Kulas commented, “It is an honour for me to lead the first Government to Government defence contract with the Netherlands for the PULS long-range precise rocket artillery system. This significant event symbolises the strategic relationship between our countries and constitutes an opportunity to strengthen our partnership based on mutual values and morals. I wish us all, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, Elbit Systems, and the Israeli Ministry of Defence, fruitful and successful cooperation.”
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems said, “I thank the Ministries of Defence of Israel and Holland on this ground-breaking agreement. The acquisition of Elbit Systems’ PULS solution will enhance the Royal Netherland Army’s ability to provide effective indirect fire support. It will also provide interoperability with NATO customers that have acquired these systems. This contract further validates Elbit Systems’ cutting edge military technologies and our strong partnerships with NATO countries across Europe.”
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
