Israeli giant Elbit Systems has expanded into Europe, responding to growing interest in its rocket launcher systems and multi-role drones. The Netherlands has purchased Elbit’s PULS system, while Spain is also considering it for its rocket artillery program.
The Royal Netherlands Army recently announced the acquisition of 20 truck-mounted universal and precision launch systems. Following the successful defense of Ukraine against Russia, the focus has been on ground attack capabilities, particularly artillery rocket systems. Denmark also acquired the Israeli system in March.
Elbit and Spain
At the FEINDEF defense fair in Madrid, local companies Escribano M&E and Expal, later acquired by Rheinmetall, presented the PULS system mounted on an Iveco 8X8 truck. The SILAM program for the High Mobility Rocket Launcher System is a priority of the Spanish military.
With the return of the Teruel multiple rocket launcher in 2011, Spain is looking to transform its capability. The Defense Ministry is reportedly looking at the PULS missile system with a range of up to 300 km for a possible local production deal.
Elbit Systems’ ATMOS 2000 self-propelled howitzer, which will serve as the basis for the IDF’s upcoming artillery gun, is seen on May 19, 2008. (Rowlip/Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have jointly demonstrated a new automatic 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer. The demonstration took place in Israel and was attended by high-ranking officials from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Hungary.
This howitzer competes for the German Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium Range programme. Rheinmetall and Elbit, who have previously collaborated, want to develop, manufacture and market an automatic European version. His team combines Rheinmetall’s cannon with Elbit’s fully robotic, unmanned artillery turret.
Potential Buyers and Capabilities
The United Kingdom is one of the potential buyers of the system, and Hungary has expressed interest. The successful demonstration of the self-propelled howitzer highlights Rheinmetall-Elbit’s synergies and innovative technologies, which could provide an extraordinary new artillery capability to the armed forces of Germany and other countries. The integration of the system is in an advanced stage of verification.
Elbit Systems continues to expand its presence in Europe, taking advantage of the growing demand for advanced artillery systems. With contracts in the Netherlands and interest in Spain, the company is positioned to consolidate its leadership in the defense market and keep readers informed about the latest advances in military technology.
