In Germany, the local HIMARS analog, the MARS 3 MLRS, has conducted test firings with a new 122 mm training rocket developed by Diehl Defence. This effort is intended not only to restore key Bundeswehr capabilities, but also to support the system's export prospects.
According to hartpunkt, during the trials, KNDS Germany and Elbit Systems established a joint venture, EuroPULS GmbH, with equal ownership shares. The company will focus on promoting rocket artillery systems, primarily across Europe.
Read more: Germany Set to Become Europe's EuroPULS Missile Factory
At least three European countries are reportedly interested in acquiring the EuroPULS MLRS alongside Germany, although their identities have not been disclosed. Potential candidates include Bulgaria, as well as the Netherlands and Denmark, which may seek to complement their existing PULS systems.
From the perspective of Defense Express, the German-Israeli system still occupies a niche in the European market. Germany is working to build a full industrial and support ecosystem around it, despite strong competition from systems such as the M142 HIMARS and South Korea's K239 Chunmoo.
Potential buyers may acquire EuroPULS, also designated MARS 3, under the same terms as the Bundeswehr through a future framework agreement covering up to 500 systems. However, this figure has reportedly been reduced to 300 units, with approximately half intended for export. So far, Germany has ordered only five systems.
A major challenge for the German-Israeli MLRS remains political considerations, as some countries are reluctant to cooperate with Israel. For example, Spain is pursuing its own alternative solution. Pricing and production capacity also remain key uncertainties.
As for the new 122 mm training rocket developed by Diehl Defence, it is based on the Israeli Accular family of combat rockets. Its range is expected to be between 5 and 15 km, with impact visibility of up to 3 km, while minimizing both cost and damage.
Such munitions are essential for training personnel and conducting live-fire exercises. Following the retirement of the 110 mm LAR training rocket, the Bundeswehr had refrained from training launches for several years. The introduction of the new rocket is expected to restore this capability.
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