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Breaking News: Slovenia enhances artillery power with acquisition of 12 French CAESAR 6x6 howitzers.
According to information published by the Slovenian Ministry of Defense on June 13, 2025, Slovenia has confirmed the procurement of 12 French-made CAESAR 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzers. This acquisition follows the nation’s formal accession to a multinational European defense framework, initially established between France, Croatia, and Estonia in June 2024. The framework agreement encourages EU member states to cooperate on joint defense procurement efforts and to bolster the continent’s defense industrial base.
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A French Army CAESAR 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzer at Eurosatory 2024 live demo demonstrating high mobility and precision strike capability. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)
Slovenia officially joined the initiative in May 2025, alongside Bulgaria and Portugal, through the signing of Amendment 1 to the Framework Agreement. This amendment defines the structure and responsibilities of the cooperation, with France acting as the lead participant to conduct acquisitions on behalf of the member nations. The Slovenian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the first batch of equipment, including 12 CAESAR 6x6 artillery units, integrated reconnaissance assets, and the Atlas artillery command and control system, will be delivered by 2028.
The CAESAR (Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie), developed by French defense company Nexter (a KNDS group member), is a highly mobile 155mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer mounted on a 6x6 truck chassis. This wheeled artillery system is recognized for its precision firepower and rapid deployment capability, supporting NATO-standard ammunition and capable of firing up to six rounds per minute. It is fitted with an advanced fire-control system, GPS navigation, and a ballistic computer to ensure highly accurate target engagement. With a range of up to 40 kilometers using ERFB-BB shells and more than 50 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles, the CAESAR combines long-range effectiveness with fast repositioning, completing shoot-and-scoot operations in under 60 seconds.
This joint procurement effort is strategically aligned with European objectives to foster defense cooperation and industrial synergy. It ensures Slovenia’s access to standardized and interoperable artillery systems across allied forces, streamlining logistics and training efforts within the European defense community. The delivery of CAESAR systems with integrated reconnaissance and command modules further enhances Slovenia’s operational capability in modern battlefield environments.
The CAESAR system has already been adopted by numerous countries, underscoring its growing global appeal. France has extensively deployed the CAESAR 6x6 and has ordered additional units to replace those transferred to Ukraine. Denmark has selected the heavier CAESAR 8x8 variant to replace its legacy M109 howitzers. The Czech Republic is on track to locally produce 62 CAESAR 8x8 units. Lithuania has ordered 18 CAESAR 6x6 MkII systems, Estonia has received 12 units, and Belgium has ordered 9 MkII variants. Ukraine has integrated 49 CAESAR systems, including both 6x6 and 8x8 versions, delivered by France and Denmark. Additional CAESAR operators include Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Morocco, which further illustrates its global strategic relevance.
The effectiveness of the CAESAR system has been vividly demonstrated in Ukraine, where it has played a critical role in resisting Russian military advances. Ukrainian armed forces commend the CAESAR’s accuracy, survivability, and mobility, which have proven decisive in artillery duels and in avoiding enemy counter-battery fire. The howitzer’s performance has exceeded expectations, particularly its ability to maintain high operational readiness and effectiveness under high-intensity conflict conditions. Integration with precision-guided munitions has further bolstered its combat value, allowing for precision strikes on high-value targets.
Slovenia’s acquisition of the French CAESAR 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzer marks a significant advancement in its artillery modernization and a tangible step toward enhancing its national and collective European defense posture. By aligning with a proven, widely used, and combat-tested system, Slovenia demonstrates its strategic intent to remain interoperable with EU and NATO allies. In a rapidly evolving European security environment, this procurement reinforces deterrence and readiness through cutting-edge, reliable artillery capabilities.