MARS 3: A new multi-domain rocket artillery system challenges HIMARS's dominance in Europe.
KNDS Corporation recently unveiled MARS 3 at the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition. This is an open-platform rocket artillery system integrating NSM anti-ship missiles and with a range of up to 300km.
At the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris, the defense industry group KNDS officially unveiled MARS 3. This is a new generation multiple rocket launcher system, expected to help Europe reduce its dependence on US weapons systems such as HIMARS.
Europe's multi-domain firepower platform and autonomy.
MARS 3 is not simply a traditional artillery system. KNDS defines it as a "multi-domain" solution, capable of flexible deployment across a variety of combat environments. Instead of focusing solely on ground targets, MARS 3 is designed to carry a wide range of munitions, from short-range guided rockets to long-range cruise missiles and anti-ship weapons.
This project has received particular attention from the German Ministry of Defence. According to reports, Germany is preparing a framework agreement to purchase approximately 500 MARS 3 systems, expected to be submitted to Parliament for consideration in the second half of 2026. Half of these will be for the German Army, with the remainder allocated to NATO allies.
Open specifications and design
The MARS 3, developed by KNDS Deutschland, is based on the EuroPULS platform (derived from the Israeli PULS system) but has been extensively "Europeanized". The biggest difference is its open fire control system, allowing for easy integration with NATO command networks and self-propelled artillery systems such as the RCH 155 or Panzerhaubitze 2000.
In terms of maneuverability, the display version uses the Iveco Trakker 8x8 truck chassis with impressive specifications:
- Weight:Under 40 tons.
- Engine:540 horsepower.
- Maximum speed:90 km/h.
- Operating crew:2-3 people.
The wheeled design allows MARS 3 to be deployed quickly on existing road infrastructure, while reducing maintenance and logistics costs compared to traditional tracked systems.
Diverse arsenal: From 35km rockets to NSM anti-ship missiles.
MARS 3 utilizes a dual-pod launch system, allowing for the coordinated firing of multiple types of ammunition in a single sortie. The system can fire precision-guided ammunition including:
- Accular 122 mm:The firing range is approximately 35 km.
- Accular 160 mm:The firing range is approximately 40 km.
- EXTRA:The firing range is approximately 150 km.
- Predator Hawk:The maximum firing range is up to 300 km.
Most notably, the MARS 3 has the capability to integrate the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The deployment of the NSM on mobile ground-based launchers expands its role to coastal defense. With its low-altitude flight, terrain-following capabilities, and radar stealth, the NSM makes the MARS 3 a serious threat to enemy warships in coastal waters.
Modern combat tactics and survivability
In the modern warfare environment, where reconnaissance UAVs and counter-artillery radars operate in dense formations, artillery survivability depends on speed. The MARS 3 is equipped with a highly automated system from target acquisition to aiming and withdrawal.
The "shoot-and-scoot" tactic was optimized, allowing the launcher to leave its position just minutes after firing. This is particularly important when confronting forces with comparable long-range counter-attack capabilities.
The introduction of MARS 3 demonstrates the ambition of European countries to achieve self-sufficiency in long-range firepower. Instead of relying on export policies and limited ammunition supplies from the US for the HIMARS system, MARS 3 provides a domestic solution that is fully compatible with NATO standards but gives greater autonomy to the countries using it.
