Israel and the Netherlands have signed their first bilateral military agreement that will see Israeli company Elbit Systems deliver Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) artillery rocket systems to the Royal Netherlands Army.
The official contract signing was announced on Thursday, after the Dutch defense ministry announced in April this year it would be buying the systems.
A total of 20 PULS systems will be delivered by Elbit Systems under the $305 million contract. The company is expected to completed the deliveries “in the next five years.”
“The defense solutions developed by Israeli defense industries allow us to strengthen our ties with countries around the world as well as enhance Israel’s global position,” Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said commenting the agreement.
The artillery rocket systems will be integrated on the COMMIT (previously DMO) truck platform, with the deal also including rockets and missile of various ranges and training and support services.
PULS features an open architecture approach, supporting future growth, the ability to integrate legacy C4i solutions, and the flexibility to adapt to specific customer requirements, Elbit says.
The system supports the firing of both free-flying rockets and precision guided rockets and missiles ranging from 12 km and up to 300 km. The launcher can be mounted on a range of wheeled and tracked platforms, providing a reduction in maintenance and training costs for legacy fleets.
“I thank the ministries of defense of Israel and the Netherlands for this groundbreaking agreement. The acquisition of Elbit Systems’ PULS solution will enhance the Royal Netherland Army’s ability to provide effective indirect fire support. It will also provide interoperability with NATO customers that have acquired these systems,” said Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems.
