Skip to main content

Breaking News: Estonia receives first batch of French Caesar 6x6 self-propelled howitzers to reinforce its new artillery battalion.


On January 30, 2025, the Estonian Ministry of Defence received its first batch of six French-made Caesar 155mm self-propelled howitzers as part of an agreement signed with France and the company KNDS at the Eurosatory 2024 defense exhibition in Paris. The remaining six units from the 12-howitzer order are scheduled for delivery by mid-2025. The contract includes an option for Estonia to acquire six additional units in the future. The howitzers will be integrated into the Estonian Defence Forces’ (EDF) newly established 3rd self-propelled artillery battalion, operating under the Estonian division.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Estonia currently operates two dozen tracked K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers acquired from South Korea, and the addition of twelve Caesar 6x6 systems will diversify its artillery capabilities. (Picture source: Estonia MoD)


The Caesar howitzers arrived in Estonia by sea transport. Training for EDF conscripts is planned to begin in the coming weeks, while training for reservists is scheduled for the summer. Maintenance personnel will also undergo instruction. Ramil Lipp, head of the armaments category at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK), confirmed that initial training had been completed, with additional training to continue. Estonia currently operates two dozen tracked K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers acquired from South Korea, and the addition of Caesar systems will diversify its artillery capabilities. The Caesar’s integration will be coordinated with Estonia’s domestic fire support system, TOORU, enhancing interoperability within the EDF.

The procurement of the Caesar howitzers was finalized at Eurosatory 2024, where Estonia also signed an agreement to acquire Mistral short-range air defense missile systems. The agreement for the howitzers was signed between RKIK, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), and KNDS. Magnus-Valdemar Saar, Director General of RKIK, stated that the procurement aligns with Estonia’s defense development plans. General Gaël Diaz De Tuesta of the DGA described the Caesar as a wheeled artillery system contributing to the interoperability of European land forces. The procurement agreement, which also involves France and Croatia, is part of a joint initiative to improve artillery capabilities among European NATO members.

The Caesar system has been in service since 2008 and has been deployed by multiple countries, including France, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Thailand, Lithuania, and Estonia. It has been deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, and Ukraine, and has been used by Thailand in conflicts along the Cambodian border. In Ukraine, Caesar units have been supplied by France and Denmark since 2022. France delivered 30 Caesar 6×6 systems, while Denmark supplied 19 Caesar 8×8 models. Estonia’s decision to acquire the Caesar system was influenced by its efficiency in recent conflicts and its compatibility with existing NATO artillery systems.

The Caesar 6x6 is a French 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Nexter, formerly GIAT Industries, for better mobility and rapid deployment compared to the earlier AMX-30 AuF1. Unlike tracked self-propelled howitzers, the Caesar' 6x6 configuration enables it to travel over long distances and operate on roads with reduced logistical requirements. Capable of firing six rounds per minute, it can be deployed and prepared to engage targets within 60 seconds, at distances exceeding 42 kilometers with standard shells and 55 kilometers using rocket-assisted projectiles.

Although the exact price of a Caesar has not been disclosed, a single unit is estimated by some experts to be worth up to $4.3 million. The Caesar’s production is managed by KNDS, with France increasing its manufacturing capacity. The latest Caesar Mark II (Caesar NG) variant features upgrades including a 460 hp engine, improved ballistic protection, and integration with modern command-and-control systems. The French Army has ordered 109 Caesar NG units, expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2030. Belgium and Lithuania are also customers of the upgraded model, while the Czech Republic and Denmark opted for the 8x8 variant of this French self-propelled howitzer.


Copyright © 2019 - 2024 Army Recognition | Webdesign by Zzam