The Netherlands is acquiring new US and Israeli-made long-range weapons systems for its armed forces, junior Defence minister Christophe van der Maat has confirmed. The equipment will strengthen the country’s firepower via rocket artillery for the army and long-range weapons for the navy and air force.
“The war in Ukraine shows once again that fire support over short, medium and long ranges is essential”, Dutch junior Defence minister Christophe van der Maat said. “With the new systems, the Ministry of Defence further substantiates NATO’s common combat power and deterrence”.
The Dutch army will buy the Israeli-made PULS (Precise and Universal Launch System) system in 2023, meaning it will have its own rocket artillery for the first time in years. The Minister said: “Rocket artillery allows army units to take out enemy targets with precision. This includes air defense and fire support systems, headquarters and logistics hubs. With long-range weapons, naval ships are able to take out targets in an opponent’s territory. At present, Dutch naval vessels do not have armaments that are powerful enough and reach far enough to disable bunkers, for example”. Denmark is also investing in the PULS system, while Germany is looking into it.
The Minister says it offers “prospects for international cooperation in order to increase European autonomy”. In February 2023, the US approved a foreign military sale to The Netherlands worth $670 million for 20 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment.
The PULS (Precise and Universal Launch System) missile system is a highly advanced and versatile platform designed to meet the evolving needs of modern military operations. Developed by Elbit Systems, PULS incorporates cutting-edge technologies and features a range of advanced capabilities that enable it to deliver precision strikes against a wide variety of targets.