France leverages frozen Russian assets for howitzer upkeep
The French Foreign Minister, speaking from Lviv in western Ukraine, noted that interest earned from frozen Russian assets will be used to maintain the CAESAR howitzers being used in Ukraine to fight against Russia.
As reported by Le Figaro on Friday, May 9, 2025, the French Foreign Minister was in Lviv, western Ukraine. "We will announce shortly that, thanks to the mobilization of revenues from frozen assets, France will be able, through its company KNDS, to ensure the operational maintenance of the CAESAR howitzers supplied to Ukraine."
The CAESAR howitzers are the largest Western artillery system supplied to Ukraine. Currently, 154 howitzers have been announced, with a significant portion already in combat in Ukraine. France itself has pledged to deliver 60 units, some of which are already in use, and Denmark has donated all 19 of its CAESAR 8x8 versions.
CAESAR — A simple howitzer from France
The CAESAR howitzers, whose name is an acronym for "CAmion Équipé d'un Système d'ARtillerie," meaning in a loose translation, an artillery system mounted on a truck, were developed in the 1990s as a cost-effective and easy-to-transport successor to the F3 howitzer.
The goals were achieved, leading to the creation of a modern NATO artillery system with a 155 mm caliber barrel of 52 calibers in length, mounted on a standard six-wheeled military truck, such as a Renault Sherpa 10 or Unimog. The concept gained significant recognition in the international market, resulting in numerous orders.
CAESAR performed excellently in low-intensity regional conflicts, and its weight of 18,000 kilograms allows for easy air transport. However, this came at the cost of being used mostly in regional low-intensity conflicts. It is worth noting that an option to install a suitable additional package existed.
CAESAR — Great range but also some package drawbacks
CAESAR can engage targets at distances of 50 to 60 kilometres using rocket-assisted projectiles or 30 kilometres with the cheapest base bleed projectiles. Meanwhile, the use of experimental Vulcano GLR projectiles increases the range up to 80 kilometres, and the Bonus self-guided shells turn CAESAR into a tank hunter.
All this is achieved with a firing rate of up to 6 rounds per minute and the ability to fire in deadly MRSI mode. Additionally, as a modern system, CAESAR can take up or leave a firing position in under a minute. The system is well-regarded in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, CAESAR is not without flaws. The problem is the unarmoured or only reinforced cabin, except for the heavier Danish version. Another issue is the wheeled traction losing out in challenging terrain compared to tracked traction and the wiring insulation in some units. It is made of eco-friendly materials (corn wool), which makes it a treat for mice at the front.
