By Wang Min
Recently, Germany has officially decided to purchase the Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) Rocket Launcher Artillery Systems produced by Israel's Elbit Systems to replace its active US-made MARS 2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Analysts believe this move reflects a new trend among European nations actively seeking strategic autonomy in the defense sector.
The MARS 2 MLRS is the German variant of the US M270 MLRS, utilizing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets made by Lockheed Martin, with a range of approximately 80 kilometers. For a long time, US military-industrial enterprises have ensured profits by selling "weapons + ammunition" bundles, causing European countries heavily dependent on US arms dealers.
Following Germany's announcement of its procurement plan, Lockheed Martin also entered the competition with its new Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) MLRS. However, Israel's rocket system has a key advantage: it can launch rockets of various calibers produced by different manufacturers. This would allow Germany to work with European defense companies in developing and producing ammunition, reducing dependence on US-made GMLRS rockets. To some extent, Germany's deeper consideration behind purchasing Israeli systems is to force the US to open up its technical standards, thereby promoting diversification in Europe's arms and ammunition supply chain.
To safeguard its interests, Lockheed Martin has publicly stated that if Germany wanted to use its GMLRS rockets in stock, it had no choice but to use the GMARS rocket artillery system. Last year, the company also updated the technical standards to further bind the GMLRS rockets to the US-made launch platform. This means that the Israeli rocket artillery system purchased by Germany cannot launch GMLRS rockets at all.
However, the US strategy has not deterred Germany from purchasing Israeli products. On the one hand, Germany still possesses dozens of MARS 2 systems to launch its existing stock of GMLRS rockets. On the other hand, Germany is actively negotiating with the US to relax technical restrictions as it believes that the US might ease limitations to promote the sales of GMLRS rockets. Meanwhile, Germany also plans to rely on its domestic and European defense industries to produce rockets to further reduce uncertainties caused by dependence on a single US ammunition supply chain.
In high-tech warfare, rocket launchers are not standalone combat units but must be deeply integrated with other military forces. Germany's decision to purchase a non-US system also reflects its consideration to build an independent European combat system.
Germany's decision is not a unique instance, but has its counterpart. Calls for greater strategic autonomy within Europe have been growing louder since the beginning of this year. Earlier this month, European Union leaders held an informal meeting in Brussels, where European Council President António Costa said in a press conference that it was the first time EU leaders had convened specifically to discuss defense issues, which reflected the urgency of building a stronger and more independent European security system.
However, Europe's path to defense autonomy will not be smooth. In the future, the US may impose further restrictions on key technology transfers or exert pressure within the NATO framework to further coerce Europe in defense and security. Currently, Europe remains dependent on the US in many areas. Given the complex factors, Europe's path to defense autonomy is filled with obstacles.
