KNDS Joins Forces with Elbit Systems in Groundbreaking EuroPULS Rocket Artillery Partnership

KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) and Elbit Systems have entered into a Collaborative Agreement for the EuroPULS at DSEI London to meet the increasing demands for precise rocket artillery capabilities. This agreement, which follows closely the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two firms, formalizes and puts into action the strategic partnership for the forthcoming rocket artillery system – EuroPULS. The essence of EuroPULS is derived from the synergistic blend of abilities from KNDS, a systems manufacturer, and Elbit Systems Land, a technological innovator, who have teamed up to bring EuroPULS to fruition. The adaption of the existing Elbit PULS artillery rocket system into the versatile EuroPULS configuration is being executed with the distinctive European capabilities of lead system integrator KNDS. Key elements contributing to this transformation are KNDS’s modular fire control framework and the adaptable architecture of Elbit’s launcher.

EuroPULS serves as the foundation for a modularly scalable and adaptable artillery platform capable of launching rockets from any manufacturer across various mobility platforms with remarkable precision and safety. Furthermore, the EuroPULS system will be equipped to deploy the comprehensive range of Elbit’s precision-guided and training rocket artillery munitions from any mobility base. This inherent capability of the system, being “effector agnostic,” allows the operator to choose the most effective course of action, tailored to the mission requirements and procurement strategies while preventing potential ammunition supply issues. The Collaborative Agreement fosters enhanced cooperation and synergy between the organizations, alongside the transfer of technology to KNDS for domestic manufacturing and collaboration regarding the launcher and integration into the German and European fire control networks, exploiting the exceptional system architecture and integration proficiencies provided by KNDS. The performance quality and collaborative synergy between the two enterprises were showcased during the introduction of the initial EuroPULS demonstrator at Future Artillery 2023.

KNDS is advocating for the Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) multiple rocket launcher (MRL). Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last June, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Ulm-based defense contractor Elbit Systems Deutschland, and Elbit Systems Land have agreed to enhance their strategic collaboration. An Elbit Systems-Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) EuroPULS MRL mounted on an Iveco Trakker 8×8 chassis was unveiled at KMW’s facility in Munich on the inaugural day of Defence iQ’s Future Artillery conference held in the Bavarian capital from May 29 to June 1. EuroPULS can also be equipped with Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Fire Support Missile (JFS-M). The NSM can be utilized in a surface-to-surface capacity against naval ships or land targets with a range of up to 250 km. The JFS-M merges ground launch capabilities, an extensive range of up to 499 km, excellent maneuverability, and low detectability due to its low-altitude flight and reduced airframe.

The Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) is an autonomous artillery rocket system crafted by Israel-based defense electronics firm Elbit Systems to fulfill the demands of contemporary battlefield environments. The PULS multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) presents a cost-effective solution for accurately launching a variety of advanced rockets and missiles, ensuring precise targeting abilities with optimal reactivity. A standard firing operation can be initiated and completed in under a minute. The launcher was explicitly designed to connect the gaps between diverse artillery components, including means of fire, sensors, and command, control, communications, computers, & intelligence (C4I) frameworks. The multipurpose launcher features two specialized PODS, each tailored for a specific rocket type. It has the capacity to launch 18 Accular 122mm rockets, ten Accular 160mm rockets, four EXTRA rockets, and two Predator Hawk rockets.