Christian Budde
KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Krauss-Maffei-Str. 11
D-80997 München
Tel.: +49 89 8140-5498
Fax: +49 89 8140-4977
E-Mail: knds-pressservice (at) knds.de
KMW and Elbit Systems intensify Rocket Artillery Cooperation
02.12.2022After having signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) in June this year, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Ulm based defence company Elbit Systems Deutschland and Elbit Systems Land have agreed to intensify their strategic cooperation.
Background is the modernisation and the capability extension of the European Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS / MARS II). Elbit provides a modern effector portfolio, to fully comply with the MLRS-user demands from extended range rockets to new training ammunition which will enable the user to “train as you fight” on national proving grounds.
KMW and Elbit have established the concept “EuroPULS” for the next generation European Long Range Rocket Artillery as the successor system for the MLRS. This concept has already been offered to the first European customers. The EuroPULS system is based on Elbit Systems’ operational and in-service Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) and a range of precision guided munitions. KMW complements the EuroPULS with decades of know-how as system house and vast experience in building and customizing (rocket) artillery systems complying European standards. This provides the capability to integrate every rocket according to user’s requirements. Both companies envision a local rocket production to ensure Europe’s independence.
This means a Future Rocket Artillery System made in Europe.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit System Land, commented: "I am confident that the EuroPULS will provide effective and timely solution for both the operational and industrial needs of European countries. I am encouraged by the level of interest this initiative is already drawing from European and NATO countries.”
“I welcome the cooperation with Elbit. In this partnership, we see a chance to underline the potential of our artillery capabilities. The potential opportunities allow KMW to become one of the most modern system houses for rocket artillery”, comments Ralf Ketzel, Chairman of the KMW Management Board.
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KNDS is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
KNDS forms a Group of around 9,500 employees, with a 2023 turnover of 3.3 billion euro, an order backlog of around 16 billion euro and incoming orders of 7.8 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The alliance of KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, KNDS offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.