France reallocates entire CAESAR howitzer output to Ukraine
The French president has announced that Ukraine will receive the entire annual production of CAESAR howitzers. This move represents a significant boost to Ukraine's ability to combat Russia.
During a speech on the TV programme TF1, Emmanuel Macron revealed that France will bolster Ukraine through its artillery production capabilities, redirecting the entire annual output of CAESARs to meet Ukraine's requirements.
The Nexter group is set to achieve a monthly production rate of up to 12 CAESAR howitzers in 2024, amounting to a potential maximum of 144 units per year if funding is secured for all units. Funding partly comes from France, with the remaining contributions from an international coalition or Ukraine.
CAESAR — a simple howitzer from France with great potential
The CAESAR howitzers, officially named CAmion Equipe d'un Systeme d'ARtillerie, loosely translated as "artillery system mounted on a truck," were developed in the 1990s as an economical alternative to the F3 howitzers.
This development led to a modern NATO artillery system with a 155 mm calibre, mounted on a six-wheeled military truck, such as the Renault Sherpa 10 or Unimog, ensuring low operational costs. This concept gained international recognition, resulting in numerous orders. The CAESAR system has proven its effectiveness in low-intensity regional conflicts. Weighing 20 tonnes, it is easily transportable by air.
Huge range, but also fragility
The CAESAR can target positions up to 48-60 kilometres away with rocket-assisted rounds or 29 kilometres with the most economical rounds. Additionally, it can utilise experimental Vulcano GLR rounds, offering a range of up to 80 kilometres, and Bonus self-propelled shells make it a proficient tank hunter.
The system boasts a firing rate of up to six rounds per minute and can operate in MRSI mode. CAESAR can occupy or vacate a firing position in under a minute, which makes it highly valued in Ukraine.
Despite its many advantages, CAESAR has its drawbacks. The cabin of the 6x6 version is unarmoured (though armour can be added) and is reinforced in the heavier 8x8 version. Experience in Ukraine has shown that wheeled traction is less effective in challenging terrain than tracked options. Additionally, the wiring insulation in some units is made from corn fibre, which can attract mice.
