Tel Aviv: KNDS and Elbit Systems have signed a teaming agreement for the EuroPULS to address the growing needs of precision rocket artillery capabilities. The agreement, that comes shortly after the signing of a MoU between both companies, realises, formalises and implements the strategic cooperation for the next generation rocket artillery system – EuroPULS.
The EuroPULS consists of the synergetic combination of the capabilities from the systems house KNDS and the technology group Elbit Systems Land who have partnered together to establish EuroPULS.
The transformation of the established Elbit PULS artillery rocket system into the flexible EuroPULS system is being carried out using the unique European capabilities of lead system integrator KNDS. Key success factors for transformation are KNDS’s modular fire control system and the modular architecture of the Elbit’s launcher.
EuroPULS forms the basis for a modularly scalable and flexible artillery system that can conceptually fire rockets of all manufacturers from any mobility platform with pinpoint accuracy and safety. Moreover, the EuroPULS system will possess the capabilities to fire the full spectrum of Elbit’s precision guided and training rocket artillery munitions from any mobility platform This inherent capability of the system, being “effector agnostic”, enables the user to select the optimum means of actions, tailored to the operational requirements and procurement processes, while avoiding potential ammunition bottlenecks.
The teaming agreement enables stronger cooperation and synergy between the companies, as well as the transfer of technology to KNDS for the local production and work share for the launcher and integration into the German and European fire control systems, utilizing the unique system architecture and integration capabilities offered by KNDS.
The PULS was developed by the land systems division of Elbit Systems. The PULS is a launcher carried by a heavy truck and capable of launching different types of rockets, to ranges of up to 300 km.
According to the official Elbit brochure, “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 35 km, the Accular 160mm (10 rockets) with a range of up to 40 km, the EXTRA (4 rockets) with a range of up to 150 km and the Predator Hawk (2 rockets) with a range of up to 300 km.”
The PULS creates interest in many countries and recently it was reported that the Royal Army of the Netherlands is going to equip its ground unit with the Elbit’s system.
Elbit Systems has taken this system some steps forward and recently unveiled the Light PULS. This according to the company is a “lightweight airborne version rocket launcher system” developed to meet the battlefield challenges of Special Forces operating in remote, high-risk locations. This light version can be transported by a C-130 or similar aircraft.
-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
