Defense News , Spain :- A consortium of Spanish companies, including Escribano Mechanical & Engineering and Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, has clinched a lucrative contract from the Spanish Military Procurement Directorate. Valued at over EUR 700 million, the contract is earmarked for the production and supply of a state-of-the-art Spanish Rocket Launcher, drawing inspiration from the Israeli Elbit Systems PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System), locally known as Silam in Spain.
The collaborative effort is set to deliver a comprehensive package to the Spanish Army, with the initial rollout scheduled for 2024, including launchers and training rockets. Subsequently, live ammunition will be provided from 2025 onwards, with the final batch of rockets expected to be delivered by 2028. Alongside the twelve launchers, the comprehensive package encompasses support vehicles and systems, diverse command post vehicles, recovery vehicles, high mobility reconnaissance vehicles, munition vehicles with cranes, and a specialized rocket launcher platform designed for ammunition testing and validation.
The PULS, a heavy truck-mounted launcher, boasts versatility by accommodating various rocket types with ranges of up to 300 km. The launcher is equipped with two PODS, each tailored for specific rocket types, such as the Accular 122mm, Accular 160mm, EXTRA, and Predator Hawk, offering capabilities at varying ranges. Notably, the PULS has garnered international interest, with reports confirming its adoption by the Royal Army of the Netherlands.
Expanding on Elbit Systems innovation, the company recently introduced the Light PULS, a lightweight airborne version of the rocket launcher system. Crafted to address the challenges faced by Special Forces operating in remote and high-risk locations, beyond the reach of conventional artillery fire support, the Light PULS is heralded as a groundbreaking solution. Elbit Systems notes that this lightweight version can be easily transported by a C-130 or similar aircraft, enhancing its operational flexibility in diverse and challenging environments.
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