After having signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding in June this year, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Ulm based defence company Elbit Systems Deutschland and Elbit Systems Land have agreed to intensify their strategic cooperation.

Background is the modernisation and the capability extension of the European Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS / MARS II). Elbit provides a modern effector portfolio, to fully comply with the MLRS-user demands from extended range rockets to new training ammunition which will enable the user to “train as you fight” on national proving grounds.

KMW and Elbit have established the concept “EuroPULS” for the next generation European Long Range Rocket Artillery as the successor system for the MLRS. This concept has already been offered to the first European customers. The EuroPULS system is based on Elbit Systems’ operational and in-service Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) and a range of precision guided munitions. KMW complements the EuroPULS with decades of know-how as system house and vast experience in building and customizing (rocket) artillery systems complying European standards. This provides the capability to integrate every rocket according to user’s requirements. Both companies envision a local rocket production to ensure Europe’s independence.

This means a Future Rocket Artillery System made in Europe.

Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit System Land, commented: "I am confident that the EuroPULS will provide effective and timely solution for both the operational and industrial needs of European countries. I am encouraged by the level of interest this initiative is already drawing from European and NATO countries.”

“I welcome the cooperation with Elbit. In this partnership, we see a chance to underline the potential of our artillery capabilities. The potential opportunities allow KMW to become one of the most modern system houses for rocket artillery”, comments Ralf Ketzel, Chairman of the KMW Management Board.