Germany has taken a significant step toward diversifying its weapons suppliers, moving away from American contractors who have dominated the market for many years. Last week, Berlin voted in favor of the Precision and Universal Launch System (PULS), manufactured by Israel-based Elbit Systems. The move represents a major shift in Germany’s defense policies and is a key test case as European countries try to diversify their arms supply chains. Elbit has agreed to supply the PULS system to Germany in a $57 million contract.
Features of the PULS System and Its Importance for Germany
PULS has become an important weapon system choice for Germany. One of the most striking features of the system is its ability to fire rockets of various calibers from 122 mm to 370 mm produced by different manufacturers. Elbit claims that the system can fire different types of ammunition from the same position to different ranges, up to 300 kilometers. This flexibility provides a critical advantage for Germany's military needs. In addition, compared to Germany's current multiple rocket launch system (MLRS), Lockheed Martin's MARS II system, PULS has the capacity to fire a wider range of ammunition. This plays an important role in Germany's defense strategy and could make the country's military spending more efficient.
Lockheed Martin and PULS: The Birth of a Rivalry
Germany’s preference for the PULS system is particularly concerning for American defense giants such as Lockheed Martin. Lockheed has been a dominant supplier of Germany’s current MLRS system for many years. However, the preference for PULS in Germany threatens Lockheed Martin’s market share in rocket production. In particular, the fact that the GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) missile is only compatible with Lockheed Martin’s launchers creates a selection problem for Germany. Although Germany can fire GMLRS missiles from PULS, the incompatibility between Lockheed’s missiles and launchers has caused Berlin to face obstacles in using these two systems together.
Political and Technical Obstacles
Germany’s interest in the PULS system is not just a technical preference, but also a reflection of a political situation. Germany is playing a major role in arms supplies, especially to Ukraine, and aims to strengthen its military ties with Western allies. However, Germany’s compatibility with existing Lockheed Martin launchers is subject to approval by the Washington administration. Last year, when Germany began showing interest in the PULS system, an update was made that the US GMLRS missile was incompatible with PULS. This led to some political difficulties between Germany and Washington. However, Germany still wants to avoid relying on Lockheed’s product range to be able to use its existing GMLRS inventory.
Changes in European Arms Supply
Germany’s transition to the PULS system could be a turning point not just for Berlin, but for all of Europe. Europe has been largely dependent on the US for arms supplies for many years. However, Germany’s choice of PULS can be considered one of the steps Europe is taking towards building its own defense capacities more independently. The diversification of Germany’s arms suppliers could also set an example for other European countries, and this change could partially question the US’s dominance in the arms supply market.
Future Expectations
Germany’s preference for the PULS system is an important development that will affect future arms procurement strategies and military cooperation. This decision may have important consequences not only for Germany but also for Europe’s arms industry and defense policies. European countries’ efforts to gain independence from their arms suppliers may change the dynamics in the global defense market. The successful integration of PULS in Germany indicates that more countries in Europe may turn to similar systems. However, overcoming technical incompatibilities and political obstacles in this process will be decisive factors for Europe’s defense future.
