Tensions are high in the race to decide Europe’s artillery rocket system of choice at the Eurosatory trade show in Paris. The competition is between teams Rheinmetall-Lockheed Martin and Elbit-KNDS, with Germany playing a decisive role in the decision-making process.
The German-American duo is offering a European-made rocket launcher based on Lockheed’s HIMARS system to Germany, aiming to compete with Elbit’s PULS weapon. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger pushed back against the idea that PULS could fire the GMLRS missile, a claim disputed by Howard Bromberg of Lockheed Martin.
Elbit and KNDS are collaborating on the EuroPULS rocket artillery system, which they claim can accommodate other makers’ missiles. Germany is seeking to replace its aging MARS 2 systems, with a funding decision expected by the end of the year. Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo covers military procurement and international security in Europe, specializing in aviation reporting from Milan, Italy.
