Frozen Russian assets fund Ukraine's CAESAR artillery upkeep
The French Foreign Minister, speaking from Lviv in western Ukraine, noted that interest from frozen Russian assets will be used to maintain the CAESAR howitzers deployed in Ukraine for fighting against Russia.
As reported by Le Figaro on Friday, 9th May 2025, the French Foreign Minister was in Lviv, western Ukraine. "We will announce shortly that, thanks to the mobilisation of revenue 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 systems supplied to Ukraine. Currently, 154 howitzers have been announced, a significant number of which are already in action in Ukraine. France has pledged to deliver 60 units, with some already in use, and Denmark has donated all its 19 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 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.
Goals were achieved, which allowed for the creation of a modern NATO artillery system with a 155 mm calibre barrel of 52 calibres in length, mounted on a regular six-wheeled military truck, 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 approximately 18 tonnes allowed for easy air transport. However, this came at the cost of being used primarily in low-intensity regional conflicts. It is worth noting that the option to install a suitable additional protection package existed.
CAESAR — Great range but also some package drawbacks
CAESAR can engage targets at distances of 50-60 kilometres using rocket-assisted projectiles or 30 kilometres with the more economical 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 of this 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 lies in its unarmoured or only lightly reinforced cabin, except for the heavier Danish version. Another issue is the wheeled traction, which loses 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 tempting treat for mice at the front.
