The US government has once again refused a request from the German defence ministry to integrate the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) rockets Berlin purchased from Washington with European rocket launchers, Euractiv has learned.

The German government has made multiple such requests over the past several years. Still, neither the Biden nor the Trump administration has shown openness, according to German and American government sources. The refusal could jeopardise the German military’s interoperability with the US and other NATO allies, many of which use US-made launchers.

The modernisation and expansion of Germany’s rocket artillery systems are among the central goals of the country’s so-called Zeitenwende, the shift in foreign and defence policy announced in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. One of the key lessons from the war has been the need to rebuild rocket artillery capabilities.

For decades, Germany has used MARS II launchers, which are compatible with US systems. However, Germany’s Ministry of Defence is now aiming to adopt the Euro-PULS rocket launcher system, a joint project by defence companies Elbit and KNDS, which can be equipped with weapons from various manufacturers.

Berlin has purchased five Euro-PULS systems for testing, and they will be integrated into the German military in 2026.