The dispute comes as Germany accelerates rocket-artillery reform under its Zeitenwende agenda after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Berlin has already purchased five Euro-PULS launchers scheduled for integration in 2026, but lacks U.S. approval to pair them with its existing rocket inventory.

Germany’s Modernization Push Hits Technical Barrier

The German Defense Ministry has repeatedly asked Washington for authorization to integrate U.S.-purchased Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets with Euro-PULS launchers, according to German and American government sources.

But as Euractiv reported, neither the Biden administration nor the Trump administration has shown openness to granting access over several years.

Berlin’s MARS II launchers are currently compatible with U.S. systems, yet the transition to Euro-PULS—a joint Elbit–KNDS design—requires U.S. clearance for software, fire-control links, and weapons integration.

Germany views expanded rocket artillery as a core part of its Zeitenwende transformation, aiming to rebuild capabilities highlighted by the war in Ukraine.

Without U.S. approval, the new Euro-PULS launchers cannot fire the GMLRS rockets already held in Bundeswehr stocks, creating a structural mismatch between inventory and platforms.

The Ministry of Defence had publicly expressed confidence that authorization would eventually be granted, but nearly three years of delay have eroded that expectation.

U.S. Concerns Over Technology Exposure

A likely reason for the U.S. refusal is protection of the fire-control software that links launchers to rockets—technology that underpins some of the most advanced U.S. munitions.

According to Euractiv, integration might provide outside manufacturers unwanted insight into U.S. missile systems, including the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which has a range approaching 1,000 km. U.S. officials appear reluctant to risk exposing sensitive architectures at a time when PrSM is entering wider deployment.

German officials told Euractiv that the U.S. could theoretically provide a software workaround to reduce exposure risks.

However, no such alternative has been offered to date, and Washington has not formally closed the door.

A German defense ministry spokeswoman emphasized that the U.S. decision is “not yet final,” indicating room for further technical negotiations.

NATO Interoperability and Procurement Implications

The impasse carries operational consequences for NATO. Many European allies—including Poland, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Baltic states—have opted for the U.S.-made HIMARS system and rely on GMLRS rockets for standardized fire missions.

Germany’s inability to integrate Euro-PULS with the same rockets adds friction to coalition operations, especially in scenarios requiring common logistics, rapid interchangeability, or dispersed fires.

The incompatibility also places Berlin in an acquisition bind: without GMLRS integration, Germany may need to procure alternative rockets, modify Euro-PULS, or revisit parts of its modernization timeline.

Euro-PULS, which is designed to accommodate multiple manufacturers’ munitions, becomes operational with the Bundeswehr in 2026, creating pressure for a resolution before deployment.

Strategic Stakes for Europe’s Defense Industry

The issue also touches broader industrial dynamics.

Germany’s move toward Euro-PULS reflects Europe’s desire to expand indigenous launcher capacity, reduce dependence on U.S. systems, and diversify procurement options after supply bottlenecks since 2022.

Washington’s refusal underscores the strategic tension between safeguarding U.S. technology and supporting European defense autonomy.

As Europe invests heavily in its own launcher ecosystem, the lack of GMLRS compatibility could limit export potential and complicate joint capability planning.

Euractiv notes that both Berlin and Washington have an interest in preserving cooperation within NATO’s artillery domain, but the software-integration question remains unresolved as of December 2025.