Following its selection in early 2025, the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are reportedly finalizing details to proceed with the purchase of up to 500 new PULS rocket artillery systems as part of a plan to strengthen their long-range support and strike capabilities. According to various industry sources, the German Ministry of Defense is evaluating the signing of a framework agreement to acquire the systems—also referred to as MARS 3—from the Israeli company Elbit Systems.
In detail, approximately half of the artillery systems included in the framework agreement would be destined for the Bundeswehr. The remainder could be acquired by allied countries interested in accessing the same contract under the same economic conditions as Germany, which would help expand cooperation in rocket artillery within Europe.
Regarding the parliamentary process for this acquisition project, it could take place during the second half of 2026. In parallel, the German Ministry of Defense is also reportedly preparing large-scale framework contracts for the acquisition of ammunition for these rocket artillery systems, with the aim of guaranteeing long-term supply.
In an initial phase, industry observers estimate that Germany would seek to acquire artillery rockets with a range of approximately 150 kilometers, with a value of several billion euros. If these plans are finalized, by 2030 the Bundeswehr would receive tens of thousands of these munitions, in addition to further deliveries of several thousand rockets per year in the following years.
Looking ahead, defense authorities are also evaluating the acquisition of longer-range munitions, including rockets with a range of up to 300 kilometers and loitering munitions systems with similar ranges. There is also interest in incorporating interdiction rockets with ranges exceeding 100 kilometers and other specialized variants, such as projectiles equipped with smart target-seeking submunitions.
In the medium and long term, the development or acquisition of rockets or missiles with ranges approaching 500 kilometers is also not ruled out. Among the possible industrial developments linked to these capabilities is the Joint Fire Support Missile project promoted by MBDA Germany, designed to be launched from land, air, and naval platforms, with an estimated range of approximately 500 kilometers. Other systems mentioned as possible candidates to integrate into the MARS 3 armament include the RBS15 missile from Saab and the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from Kongsberg; launch tests with the system have already been conducted.
One of the main characteristics of the MARS 3 system is its ability to employ different types of rockets and missiles developed by various international manufacturers. Among the options that could be integrated in the future are the Precision Strike Missile from Lockheed Martin, as well as long-range developments being evaluated by companies such as South Korea’s Hanwha and Elbit Systems itself.
This program is part of the broader plans to modernize the German Armed Forces. At the beginning of 2025, the German Parliament approved a defense acquisition package worth more than €20 billion, which included the purchase of PULS multiple rocket artillery systems manufactured by Elbit Systems. The initiative also seeks to replace the MARS II systems that Germany previously transferred to Ukraine as part of the military support provided to the country in the context of the conflict with Russia.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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