An unnamed European country has awarded Israeli defence company Elbit Systems a $235 million contract to supply Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) rocket artillery launchers and EXTRA-MR medium-range rockets. Although Elbit has not officially disclosed the customer, Israeli publication Globes has identified Azerbaijan as the likely buyer. The government-to-government agreement provides for deliveries over three years and includes additional rocket artillery-related platforms and integrated logistical support. The contract comes amid renewed defence cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan. Israeli company Ari Arms has also recently inaugurated a rifle manufacturing facility in Azerbaijan, highlighting the continuing development of their defence-industrial relationship. Azerbaijan has previously acquired and extensively employed Israeli-made weapons, particularly during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. These systems included Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles, Israel Aerospace Industries’ LORA ballistic missiles and Harop loitering munitions, as well as Israeli-made Spike anti-tank missiles. The PULS is a modular artillery system capable of launching guided and unguided rockets, tactical ballistic missiles and loitering munitions from a common launcher. Its reported maximum engagement range reaches 300 kilometres. An integrated navigation system and mission computer allow the launcher to fire from stationary positions or while moving, with a reported preparation time of less than one minute. The system can be installed on wheeled or tracked vehicles, providing flexibility in deployment and potentially reducing maintenance and training requirements. The contract also includes EXTRA-MR precision-guided rockets, designed to engage high-value targets at ranges of up to 80 kilometres.
