Israel-Hamas war: In a major setback for Israel, France is mulling to discard plans to buy Israeli PULS multi-caliber rocket system, while expressing interest to purchase the PINAKA- Mk2 — India’s homegrown long-range artillery system. The development comes amidst the row over France calling out Israel over its brutal military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, which has left over 40,000 civilians dead.
However, France has not openly stated it’s reasons for cancelling Israel’s PULS rocket system, asserting that they are evaluating Pinaka because “we need a system like that”.
We are evaluating the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system because we need a system like that. We are evaluating the system among the other systems offered by the top countries offering such systems. India is among the top countries producing weapons,” French Army’s Brigadier General Stephane Richou told news agency ANI.
General Richou said the deal was more than a business partnership. “…this is cooperation, and this is a common future together,” he added.
“This is much more than business partnership, and this is cooperation, and this is a common future together,” he said.
PULS Rocket System features, capabilities
Developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, the Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) is a highly advanced multi-caliber rocket artillery system designed for maximum flexibility, featuring support for a range of rocket calibers, which enables operators to choose different munitions based on requirements of a particular mission.
The PULS can fire, 122 mm rockets with 40 km range, 160 mm rockets with 45 km range, 306 mm rockets with 150 km range. Additional, it can also fire heavy rockets and missiles the EXTRA and Predator Hawk, which have a range of over 300 km.
The PULS features a modular architecture which allows it to be integrated on a variety of wheeled or tracked chassis, such as 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 configurations, allowing custom configurations for a wide range of terrains like urban areas, rugged mountains, or open deserts. It can also seamlessly integrate into existing g command-and-control networks or operate autonomously, receiving targeting data directly from UAVs, radar, or forward observers.
Pinaka Mk-2
Named after Pinaka – the divine bow wielded by Hindu god Lord Shiva – the Pinaka Mk-2 is the updated version of its predecessor, Pinaka Mk-1, an advanced Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS), developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Akin to the previous version, the Pinaka Mk2 is capable of firing 12 rockets in a mere 44 seconds, while a battery can rain down 72 rockets in quick time.
However, the Pinaka Mk.2 214 mm rockets use a new propulsion system with canard-based aerodynamic controls, and can carry a 250 kg warhead, much heavier than Mk1’s 100kg, with a range of up to 60-75 km, greater than the 38-40 km range of Mk.1.
The Pinaka MK-2 has improved mobility compared to the Mk.1 version. Mounted on a Tatra high-mobility vehicle, the Mk.2 offers “shoot and scoot” capability, making it very difficult to neutralize with anti-artillery weaponry as it is able to disappear after raining down rockets at an insane fire rate.
Pinaka Mk.2 vs PULS MLRS
Although both are highly advanced rocket launcher systems, the Israeli-made PULS is clearly a much more advanced system, offering versatility, combined with precise targeting capabilities, which makes it highly suitable for modern battlefield environments where adaptability, speed, and accuracy are critical.
However, the Pinaka Mk.2 may be more pocket-friendly than the Israeli PULS as it is likely to cost almost the same, if not more, as the US-made HIMARS.
Additionally, its being speculated that France is opting for the Indian-made system following the recent fallout with Israel over the latter’s brutal military campaign in the middle east, especially in the Gaza Strip.
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