Europe's response to HIMARS: the discovery of the EuroPULS missile system

Europe is developing its own multiple rocket launcher system (MSRP) called EuroPULS, which will compete with the American HIMARS. Developed through a collaboration between the Franco-German defense firm KNDS and the Israeli company Elbit Systems, EuroPULS aims to provide European armies with a versatile and powerful artillery system.

Comparison with HIMARS

EuroPULS is mounted on an eight-wheeled truck chassis, while HIMARS uses a six-wheeled vehicle. The European system is 10.3 meters long and weighs 38 tons, while the combat weight of HIMARS is 18 tons. Despite its weight, EuroPULS can carry more missiles. It has two pods capable of launching 12 missiles within 60 seconds, while HIMARS has a single pod capable of launching six GMLRS missiles or one long-range ATACMS missile.

The cost of EuroPULS is currently undisclosed, while the HIMARS launcher costs about $5 million and each GMLRS missile costs more than $100,000.

Opportunities and flexibility

EuroPULS can fire traditional European missiles and PULS missiles, including:

18 x 122 mm Accular missiles with a range of 35 km

10 160 mm Accular missiles with a range of 40 km

4 x EXTRA missiles with an increased range of up to 150 km

2 Predator Hawk missiles with a range of up to 300 km

This adaptability allows EuroPULS to host different types of missiles, potentially including the US GMLRS, although Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of HIMARS, says its munitions cannot be integrated with the PULS system.

Strategic and economic consequences

The EuroPULS system is positioned as a modular, scalable artillery solution that can be integrated with any mobile platform for high-precision safe firing. KNDS aims to attract European customers by using European manufacturing facilities, as opposed to Lockheed Martin's manufacturing in the US.

While HIMARS is currently in use or on order from more than a dozen countries, EuroPULS has already attracted interest from countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark, and Germany plans to purchase MARS 2 launch vehicles.

Challenges and prospects for the future

The growing demand for air defense systems such as HIMARS raises doubts about Lockheed Martin's ability to meet this demand, especially given its current commitments to Ukraine. Consequently, some European countries may explore alternatives such as EuroPULS to ensure a continuous supply of military capability during crises.

EuroPULS represents a strategic move by Europe to develop an independent and universal air defense system, potentially reducing dependence on US systems. As geopolitical tensions persist, the evolution of military technologies such as EuroPULS will play a crucial role in shaping the defense strategies of European countries.