Denmark Expands Probe into Israeli-made ATMOS, PULS Rocket Artillery Procurement Program

The Danish Ministry of Defense has widened its investigation into the procurement of the Israeli Elbit Systems-made ATMOS and PULS rocket artillery system to encompass the costs and delays associated with establishing an operational rocket launcher capability.

In October 2023, a legal investigation was initiated into the purchase of fire support systems. Now, due to new information, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated that the investigation would be extended to cover these additional aspects. Those involved in the initial inquiry will be part of the discussions about this extension.

"This is a serious matter that raises significant questions. It appears that the decision made in January 2023 lacked full transparency, as both the conciliation committee and the Finance Committee were not provided with complete information. Therefore, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate what transpired and whether decisions were influenced by improper considerations," said Troels Lund Poulsen.

The ATMOS and PULS fire support systems are now projected to be operational by 2026, a year later than initially anticipated. Additionally, the construction of the PULS rocket capacity is expected to incur significantly higher costs, according to a statement from the Danish Ministry of Defense.

This cost discrepancy arises from the realization that the acquisition decision made in January 2023 did not adequately account for additional vehicles, personnel, ammunition, and infrastructure deemed necessary by the Defense Command to establish the desired capacity.

"It is deeply concerning that politicians did not make an informed decision regarding the purchase of the PULS system. This oversight may result in a substantial additional financial burden, which will need to be covered by funds from the defense settlement. It is highly unsatisfactory that comprehensive information was not provided prior to the decision-making process," remarked Troels Lund Poulsen.

Preparations for the operational use of the ATMOS and PULS systems involve tasks such as cable installation, tactical radio setup, and the integration of a guidance support system with other brigade units. Furthermore, test firings and other procedures must be carried out. The Defense Command and the Ministry of Defense’s Material and Procurement Agency have indicated that the timeline for preparing the vehicles after delivery to Denmark has been extended from 6 to 18 months.

Despite these adjustments, the Defense Command has assessed that Denmark's NATO contingencies remain unaffected.

ATMOS

The ATMOS is a 155mm/52 caliber truck-mounted howitzer that is mounted on 6×6 or 8×8 high-mobility tactical trucks. It offers swift deployment and can fire 6 rounds in less than 110 seconds before relocating ("shoot and scoot"). Its embedded electronic suite and automatic loading system enable rapid firing within 30 seconds, supporting operations, including Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability. The system integrates seamlessly with existing C4I systems and provides a protected crew cabin customizable to user specifications. It is compatible with NATO-standard 155mm ammunition and features modular on-board storage. With a minimal crew requirement of 2-6 members, the ATMOS optimizes manpower while offering complete electronic suite and command and control integration.

Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS)

The Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) is an autonomous artillery rocket system. PULS offers a solution for launching a range of advanced rockets and missiles, ensuring precise targeting capabilities with optimal responsiveness. It is adaptable to existing platforms, providing firing flexibility without requiring modifications to the system. The system eliminates the need to relocate artillery units to match desired firing ranges and can launch a wide range of ammunition types from a single position, with firing capabilities extending up to 300km. PULS incorporates specialized PODS for launching various rockets, including Accular 122mm and 160mm rockets, EXTRA rockets, and Predator Hawk rockets, catering to diverse operational requirements. The system's rapid firing capability allows for quick initiation and execution of firing missions, typically taking less than a minute.