Greece’s lawmakers approved late on Thursday the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel for about 650 million euros ($757.84 million), two officials with knowledge of the issue told Reuters.
“In a closed session, the parliament’s defense committee approved the purchase of PULS,” a senior official with knowledge of the issue told Reuters. A second official confirmed the parliament’s approval, adding that the cost would be around 650 to 700 million euros.
Greece and Israel have strong economic and diplomatic ties, have conducted several joint exercises in recent years, and operate an air training center in southern Greece.
Greece is also in talks with Israel to develop a 3 billion euro anti-aircraft and missile defense dome.
Capabilities of the PULS system
The PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) is a state-of-the-art multiple rocket launcher system (MLRS) developed and manufactured by Israel’s Elbit Systems. It represents a modern, highly flexible, and precise solution for artillery fire support.
The core capability of the PULS system is its versatility—it can fire a wide range of rockets and missiles from a single platform to various distances without needing to reposition.
The deal also includes the construction of components in Greece.
Greece has said it will spend about 28 billion euros ($32.66 billion) by 2036 to modernize its armed forces as it emerges from a 2009-2018 debt crisis and tries to keep pace with its historic rival, Turkey.
Related: Greece and Israel Deepen Defense Ties With BlueWhale System Agreement
