Germany Plans Israeli Rocket Artillery to Replace MARS MLRS Sent to Ukraine

The German military is planning to replace its five MARS II Multiple Launch Rocket Systems sent to Ukraine with the Israeli Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS).

The procurement could be proposed in the parliament in the first quarter of 2024, Soldat & Technik revealed, citing the parliamentary state secretary in the ministry of defense Thomas Hitschler.

The first system could be delivered as early as 2024.

Greater Procurement Possible

The 25 million euro ($26.5 million) intended procurement would take place in conjunction with the Netherlands, which is also looking to buy the system, according to the German outlet.

The acquisition would include launchers and missiles, while the vehicles would be delivered by the German military.

It could pave the way for the system’s larger procurement by the military for its divisional and corps artillery units, currently equipped with 35 Mars IIs.

PULS Rocket Artillery 

The Elbit system supports both tracked and wheeled platforms for greater mobility, unlike the tracked-only Mars II.

It can launch a variety of guided and unguided munitions up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) away.

According to the developers, the PULS system’s design allows for the future launch of loitering munitions, such as the canister-launched configuration of Elbit Systems’ SkyStriker kamikaze drone.

Greater Range Proposed

Meanwhile, MBDA has proposed arming the platform with the under-development Joint Fire Support Missile, which has an intended range of 499 kilometers (310 miles).

The missile is being developed along with the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann for Germany’s Mars II platform.

In addition, there is a proposal to arm the PULS system with Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile.