Nexter will develop 155mm wheeled howitzer CAESAR based on Astros truck for Brazilian army 2206141

It is an opportunity for NEXTER to consolidate its position on the South American Market, and for AVIBRAS to present to Brazil a new product within the Artillery segment.

The signature was witnessed by the Brazilian Ambassador in France, the Secretary of Defense Products of Brazilian MoD, and the Brazilian Army High ranked representatives.

The CAESAR is 6x6 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed, designed and manusfactured by the French Company Nexter Systems. This system, consisting of a 155 mm / 52 calibre gun mounted onto 6x6 chassis, combines fire power and amazing mobility. In this respect and due to its extreme versatility, CAESAR® is an alternative to heavy versions such as heavy tracked or wheeled self-propelled artillery systems. Fitted with up-to-date equipment and functionalities, CAESAR® strikes accurately and effectively at long range.

Configured at 15.9 tonnes for air transport, it can easily be deployed in a C 130, A 400M or IL 76. Its autonomy of more than 600 kilometres and its road speed of more than 80 km/h make it agile and reactive. Nexter has demonstrated the versatility of CAESAR® by developing a Renault Trucks Defense SHERPA 6x6 chassis version and a SOFRAME chassis (Mercedes-Unimog base) version.

Out of more than 250 units already ordered, 180 CAESAR® units are already in service in three countries. The French Army deployment in Afghanistan (ISAF), in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and recently in Mali, illustrates the "combat proven" nature of the CAESAR®. Under the 2015 – 2020 Programming law, a second batch of 64 CAESAR® units is planned for the French Army, and these guns should replace the 155TRF1 and 155 AUF1 still in service. By this time, CAESAR® will be the only 155 mm gun in service in the French Artillery.

Command and Control of the Brazilian ASTROS System is based on the Astros standard chassis AV-VBA 6x6, 10t off-road vehicle which is supplied by Tectran Engenharia, a subsidiary of Avibras based in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 90km/h and is fitted with a Mercedes-Benz 280hp diesel engine.