Czech army to enhance artillery with battle-tested CAESAR upgrades
The Czech army is set to receive CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, which are being developed with insights from the Ukrainian battlefield. Modifications will be implemented by the manufacturer at the last minute, as the order was originally placed by the Czechs in 2021.
The Czech army is already making preparations to receive the initial batch of these cutting-edge self-propelled howitzers. They will replace the outdated DANA howitzers, which will only remain in use until 2027.
Modern CAESAR howitzers
The French manufacturer, KNDS, has introduced modifications to the design of the CAESAR (Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie) self-propelled howitzers for the Czechs, based on experiences from Ukraine.
"This will be a unique product, with its appearance and capabilities reflecting the experience of the Ukrainian battlefield," stated the Czech Ministry of Defence.
Two prototypes of the new self-propelled howitzers, part of an order for 62 units, are currently undergoing inspection tests. These tests are conducted by the French manufacturer with support from independent national bodies, under the supervision of the Czech Ministry of Defence.
Utilising experience from Ukraine
The Czech Republic ordered 52 CAESAR howitzers in September 2021. By December 2022, they increased the order by an additional 10 units. The total cost of the contract is 10.3 billion Czech korunas, equivalent to nearly 348 million pounds. All of the howitzers are expected to be delivered to the Czech army by the end of 2026.
Czech military representatives highlighted that Ukraine offers an unprecedented opportunity to test their systems in real combat conditions. They emphasized the importance of developing equipment with a lifespan of up to forty years and stressed that without integrating feedback from Ukrainian artillery crews, the country would risk wasting 10.3 billion korunas on ineffective solutions.
The Czech Republic has opted for a more advanced version of the self-propelled howitzer, featuring an 8×8 chassis manufactured by the Czech company Tatra. The CAESAR uses a 155 mm calibre gun, which is standard for modern NATO artillery.
