On March 26, 2024, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu declared France's commitment to significantly enhance its military support to Ukraine amidst the ongoing war against Russian forces. The French government is set to deliver an impressive number of 78 CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, aiming to strengthen Kyiv's artillery capabilities as it continues to fend off Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine has already received from France and allies a total of 49 CAESAR howitzers in 6x6 and 8x8 configurations since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
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The CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer is the backbone of French army artillery forces. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)
The delivery of these advanced howitzers comes as part of a broader initiative by France to increase its supply of artillery shells, responding to the urgent request from Kyiv for additional ammunition. This initiative is supported by an agreement among France, Ukraine, and Denmark, outlining a financing plan that facilitates the swift delivery of the CAESAR self-propelled 155 mm howitzers to the Ukrainian frontlines.
Furthermore, Minister Lecornu highlighted France's ambitious goal to deliver 80,000 shells for 155 mm guns to Ukraine within the current year. This marks a significant escalation from the 30,000 shells that France has supplied since the onset of hostilities in February 2022. This increase in military aid underscores France's dedication to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts and its resilience in the face of aggression.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, France has been a steadfast ally to Kyiv, providing a range of military assistance to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The French military aid has encompassed not only artillery and ammunition but also training, intelligence support, and other defense equipment. This continued support is reflective of France's commitment to Ukraine and its stance against unwarranted aggression in the region.
The decision to boost military aid to Ukraine with the delivery of advanced howitzers and increased ammunition supplies comes at a critical time. As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, with many countries evaluating and adjusting their support to ensure Ukraine can sustain its defense efforts against Russian advances. France's latest contribution is a testament to its role as a key player in the international effort to uphold international law and support Ukraine's right to self-defense.
The CAESAR (Camion Équipé d'un Système d'Artillerie) howitzer is a highly mobile, self-propelled 155mm artillery system developed by the French company Nexter. Mounted on a 6x6 or 8x8 truck chassis, it combines the firepower of a traditional artillery piece with exceptional mobility and speed, allowing for rapid deployment and redeployment on the battlefield. Capable of striking targets up to 38 kilometers away with standard ammunition and further with extended-range shells, the CAESAR has become a critical asset for modern armed forces. Its design focuses on simplicity, reliability, and rapid operational readiness, making it effective in a wide range of combat scenarios.
Feedback from Ukrainian soldiers on the CAESAR howitzer system has been positive, emphasizing its operational efficiency and impact on the battlefield. A Ukrainian artillery unit operating in the Donbas region highlighted the system's ease of use and its significant range capability, able to hit targets up to 38 kilometers away. The mobility of the CAESAR system was also praised, allowing for rapid redeployment and minimal setup time, which is crucial in dynamic front-line conditions. However, the main challenge noted by the soldiers was the language barrier, as the equipment and its manuals are in English, posing a learning curve for the operators.
This information showcases the CAESAR howitzer's critical role in enhancing Ukraine's artillery capabilities and the overall positive reception by Ukrainian forces. The ongoing deliveries and support from France and Denmark underline the international collaboration aimed at providing Ukraine with the necessary tools to defend its territory.
Defense News March 2024
