PULS (multiple rocket launcher)

Last updated
PULS
PULS MLRS Landmacht 1.jpg
PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System)
Type Multiple Rocket Launcher
Tactical ballistic missile launcher
Place of originIsrael
Service history
Wars Second Nagorno-Karabakh War
Israel–Hamas war
Production history
Designer Israel Military Industries
ManufacturerIsrael Military Industries (now Elbit Systems)
Specifications
Caliber 122 mm
160 mm
306 mm
330 mm
370 mm
Maximum firing range300 km

Guidance
system
GPS and INS

PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System, formerly known as LynxMRL) is a multiple rocket launcher developed and manufactured by ELBIT Systems (formerly Israel Military Industries) and used by Israel Defense Forces and other countries. [1]

Contents

History

After the acquisition of Israel Military Industries by Elbit Systems in 2018, an upgraded and modernized version of the Lynx was developed, called the PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System). [2] The Defense Technology Institute (DTI) of Thailand is partnering with Elbit Systems to develop a Thai version of the PULS called D-11A. [3]

The EURO-PULS is being developed in cooperation between the German KNDS and ELBIT targeting the European market by integration of, additional missile types. As part of the project, the US made GMLRS and other HIMARS missiles would have been integrated with the EURO-PULS launchers, however, the management of Lockheed Martin, the US missile manufacturer, refused to do so. [4]

In January 2023, Denmark announced it is negotiating the acquisition of 8 PULS systems for the Royal Danish Army. [5]

In March 2023, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced that it would acquire 20 PULS systems for the Royal Netherlands Army with the first systems to be delivered in the same year. [6] [7] The contract worth 305 million dollars was signed on May 18. [8]

On 10 October 2023, the government of Spain decided to order the locally manufactured version of the PULS systems for SILAM programme (es:SILAM). [9]

Israel introduced the PULS into IDF service in 2020 under the name Lahav, which is a PULS rocket module mounted on a HEMTT truck chassis. It was first used operationally in February 2024 during the Israel–Hamas War. [10]

Design

Danish PULS-lauchner with EXTRA type missile pods PULS MLRS Landmacht 2.jpg
Danish PULS-lauchner with EXTRA type missile pods

It can be configured to carry a variety of rockets in two sealed pod containers: 36 (2 pods × 18 rockets each) 122mm Grad rockets; or 26 (2×13) 160mm LAR-160 or ACCULAR rockets; or eight (2×4) 306mm EXTRA rockets; two (2×1) 330mm Delilah missiles or four (2×2) 370mm Predator Hawk tactical ballistic missiles. [1]

The PULS also able to carry and launch SkyStriker loitering munitions, which is a unique feature among MLRS systems. The SkyStriker drones have a range over 100 km and 6 drones are packed into a single container according to a video published by Elbit Systems. The drone can engage moving targets unlike the other missiles of the PULS system, but it can also return and land after doing reconnaissance and can be relaunched again. [11] [12]

Missile options

[13] [14]

Rocket / missileDiameterWeightMax. quantityGuidanceMax. rangeAccuracy
CEP
Warhead
GRAD 122 mm66 kg18 pcs / pod

32 pcs / vehicle

none40 kmn.a.20 kg
LAR160 160 mm110 kg13 pcs / pod

26 pcs / vehicle

none45 kmn.a.46 kg
Accular 122 122 mm72 kg18 pcs / pod

32 pcs / vehicle

GPS/INS35 km10 m20 kg
Accular 160 160 mmn.a.13 pcs / pod

26 pcs / vehicle

GPS/INS40 km10 m35 kg
SkyStriker UAVn.a.n.a.6 pcs / pod

12 pcs / vehicle

CCD/IR and GPS/INS100+ km1 m5–10 kg
EXTRA 306 mm570 kg4 pcs / pod

8 pcs / vehicle

GPS/INS150 km10 m120 kg
Delilah 330 mm187 kg2 pcs / pod

4 pcs / vehicle

CCD/IR and GPS/INS250 km1 m30 kg
Predator Hawk 370 mm800 kg2 pcs / pod

4 pcs / vehicle

GPS/INS300 km10 m160 kg

Practice missiles with a range between 7–15 km are also available for the PULS system. [15]

Lynx launcher of the Azerbaijani Land Forces with EXTRA rocket pods Azeri Lynx Extra, parade in Baku, 2013.JPG
Lynx launcher of the Azerbaijani Land Forces with EXTRA rocket pods
D-11A MLRS of the Royal Thai Army on a Tatra 815-7 chassis Defense Technology Institute Thailand, D11A MRLS..jpg
D-11A MLRS of the Royal Thai Army on a Tatra 815-7 chassis

Operators

Flag of Israel.svg  Israel
Flag of Azerbaijan.svg  Azerbaijan
Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark

Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands

Flag of Kazakhstan.svg  Kazakhstan
Flag of Rwanda.svg  Rwanda

Future operators

Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany
Mock-up of a EURO-PULS for the German Army MBDA, ILA 2024, Schoenefeld (ILA45445).jpg
Mock-up of a EURO-PULS for the German Army
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain

Unknown customers

Potential operators

Flag of Greece.svg  Greece

Flag of Norway.svg  Norway
Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines
Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand

See also

Vehicle of similar era & design

References

  1. 1 2 "Lynx : Autonomous multi-purpose multiple rocket launcher" (PDF). IMI systems. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  2. "Elbit Systems PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System)". Military Leak. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  3. "Defense & Security 2022: Thailand, Elbit partner on D11A multiple rocket launcher". 30 August 2022.
  4. "Citing missile mismatch, Lockheed snarls at HIMARS challenge in Europe". 18 June 2024.
  5. "Denmark negotiates the purchase of ATMOS and PULS systems from Elbit". 2023-01-27. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
  6. "Defensie versterkt vuurkracht met raketartillerie en langeafstandswapens" [Army strengthens firepower with rocket artillery and long range weapons] (Press release) (in Dutch). 3 April 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  7. "Kamerbrief over D-fase project Raketartillerie" [House of Representatives letter about D-phase project Rocket artillery] (Press release) (in Dutch). 3 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  8. "Elbit Systems Awarded $305 Million Contract to Supply PULS Rocket Artillery Systems to the Royal Netherlands Army". Elbit systems.
  9. 1 2 "zona-militar.com – España aprobó el contrato para la compra del Sistema Lanzacohetes de Alta Movilidad destinado al Ejército de Tierra". 11 October 2023.
  10. Israeli Army deploys new Lahav multi-caliber MLRS against Hamas militants in Gaza Strip. Army Recognition. 19 February 2024.
  11. "elbitsystems.com - Elbit Systems Awarded a $95 Million Contract to Supply Canister Configuration SkyStriker Loitering Munitions to a European Country".
  12. "youtube.com - Elbit Systems / SkyStriker Tactical Loitering Munition (video)". YouTube . 20 May 2024.
  13. "Land Rocket Artillery Catalog" (PDF). Elbit Systems. Retrieved 2022-02-14.
  14. "PULS". Elbit. Retrieved 2022-02-14.
  15. "España aprobó el contrato para la compra del Sistema Lanzacohetes de Alta Movilidad destinado al Ejército de Tierra".
  16. "Lynx - Multiple launch rocket system". Archived from the original on September 4, 2012.
  17. "Denmark orders ATMOS SPHs and PULS MRLs". Janes.com. 7 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
  18. "Future Artillery 2024: Danish PULS MRL deliveries completed".
  19. 1 2 Manuel, Rojoef (2023-05-20). "Elbit Systems to Supply 20 PULS Rocket Systems to Dutch Army". The Defense Post. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
  20. "JANE'S - First PULS MRL arrives in Netherlands". 19 February 2024.
  21. 1 2 "Trade Registers". armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
  22. "Naiza - Multiple launch rocket system". Archived from the original on 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
  23. "Serbia Acquires Elbit Systems' PULS Artillery Rocket System Amid Tensions with Croatia". 20250105.
  24. "Elbit Systems Awarded Contracts Worth Approximately $335 Million to Supply Defense Systems to a European Country".
  25. "soldat-und-technik.de – Nun offiziell – Bundeswehr soll israelisches Raketenartilleriesystem PULS erhalten". 19 October 2023.
  26. "Raketenartillerie – Einstieg in „Zukünftiges System Indirektes Feuer große Reichweite" gebilligt" (in German). 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
  27. "Spain orders Israeli PULS rocket launcher for SILAM army program". 12 October 2023.
  28. "Elbit Systems Awarded $150 Million Contract to Supply PULS Rocket Artillery Systems to an International Customer".
  29. "Elbit Systems Awarded Approximately $270 Million Contract to Supply Rocket Artillery for an International Customer".
  30. Συνάντηση με Εκπροσώπους της Εταιρείας «LOCKHEED MARTIN» στο ΓΕΣ (Press release) (in Greek). Greek Ministry of National Defence. 2025-01-17. Archived from the original on 2025-01-19. Retrieved 2025-01-19. Στις 13 Ιανουαρίου 2025, πραγματοποιήθηκε συνάντηση επιτελών του ΓΕΣ, με εκπροσώπους της εταιρείας «LOCKHEED MARTIN», όπου πραγματοποιήθηκε ενημέρωση επί θεμάτων που αφορούν στην αναβάθμιση των εκτοξευτών MLRS M270.[On January 13, 2025, a meeting took place between the General Staff of the Army (GES) and representatives of the company "LOCKHEED MARTIN," during which updates were provided on matters concerning the upgrade of MLRS M270 launchers.]
  31. 1 2 Lazos, Efthimios (2025-01-18). Ελληνικός Στρατός: Επιμένει η Lockheed Martin για την αναβάθμιση των M-270, παρά το υψηλό κόστος και την απόφαση για τα ισραηλινά PULS [Hellenic Army: Lockheed Martin insists on upgrading the M-270 despite the high cost and the decision for the Israeli PULS]. Defence Review (in Greek). Archived from the original on 2025-01-19. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  32. 1 2 3 Stavros, Ioannidis (2025-01-02). "Greek army planning rocket artillery upgrade | eKathimerini.com". Kathimerini. Archived from the original on 2025-01-19. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  33. "Report: Athens Interested in Israeli-made MLR System, the PULS". To Vima . 2024-12-13. Archived from the original on 2025-01-19. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  34. "Greece to buy artillery systems from Israel and drones from US, officials say". Reuters. 2024-12-13. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  35. PULS: Πρώτο εξοπλιστικό πρόγραμμα για το 2025 η απόκτηση των Πολλαπλών Εκτοξευτών Πυραύλων [PULS: The first armament program for 2025 is the acquisition of Multiple Rocket Launchers]. OnAlert (in Greek). 2025-01-10. Archived from the original on 2025-01-17. Retrieved 2025-01-20. Η συμφωνία αναμένεται να περιλαμβάνει και την απόκτηση των Περιφερόμενων Πυρομαχικών drone-kamikaze Sky Striker με εμβέλεια που φτάνει τα 100 χιλιόμετρα, [...].[The agreement is expected to include the acquisition of the Sky Striker loitering munition kamikaze drones, with a range of up to 100 kilometers, [...].]
  36. Ιωαννίδης, Σταύρος (2025-01-02). Γιατί η Ελλάδα αναβαθμίζει το πυραυλικό πυροβολικό – Τι δυνατότητες αποκτά ο στρατός; [Why is Greece upgrading its missile artillery – What capabilities is the army gaining?] (in Greek). Kathimerini. Archived from the original on 2025-01-18. Retrieved 2025-01-20. Οι ίδιες πηγές επισημαίνουν ότι η διαδικασία επιλογής έχει σχεδόν ολοκληρωθεί με τους επιτελείς να προκρίνουν το ισραηλινής προέλευσης σύστημα PULS. Η «Κ» αποκαλύπτει όλες τις πτυχές της συμφωνίας που προωθείται ανάμεσα στην Ελλάδα και το Ισραήλ, λίγο πριν η προμήθεια έρθει για κύρωση στη Βουλή και το ΚΥΣΕΑ. [...] Οι εκτοξευτές θα είναι εποχούμενοι, με το ΓΕΣ να επιλέγει τα φορτηγά της IVECO ως φορείς, όπως στην έκδοση που έχει επιλέξει ο γερμανικός στρατός. Τα φορτηγά είναι εφοδιασμένα με γερανό για την επαναφόρτωση του συστήματος, [...].[The same sources point out that the selection process is nearly complete, with the military staff favoring the Israeli-made PULS system. "K" reveals all aspects of the agreement being promoted between Greece and Israel, just before the procurement is submitted for ratification to Parliament and the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA). [...] The launchers will be vehicle-mounted, with the Hellenic Army selecting IVECO trucks as carriers, similar to the version chosen by the German military. The trucks are equipped with a crane for reloading the system, [...].]
  37. Waldemar Geiger (10 August 2024). "Raketenartillerie – Norwegen bekundet offiziell Interesse am HIMARS". www.hartpunkt.de (in German). Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  38. Orpiano, Pitz. "The Philippine Army and the M142 HIMARS MLRS Acquisition Plan" . Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  39. "K239 Chunmoo – A Potential and Cheaper HIMARS Alternative for the Philippine Army". Pitz Defense Analysis. 21 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  40. Lariosa, Aaron-Matthew (2023-07-01). "Philippines to Acquire HIMARS, More BrahMos Missiles in Coming Years". Naval News. Archived from the original on 2023-07-03. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  41. "Philippine Army's PULS MLRS Offer from Elbit Systems". Pitz Defense Analysis. 17 March 2024. Archived from the original on 25 March 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  42. "Thai Army tests 300 km-range D11A based on Israeli PULS MLRS". October 1, 2022.