KNDS Czech Republic to boost NATO artillery with local production of CAESAR 8x8 howitzers.

On June 2025, KNDS Czech Republic, a branch of the European defense group KNDS, will begin serial production of the CAESAR 8x8 self propelled howitzer. This combat proven wheeled artillery system will enhance the artillery power of the Czech Republic and its NATO allies. The project results from close cooperation with Czech industry to meet NATO’s growing need for advanced long range fire support. As reported by KNDS France, this marks a major milestone in strengthening European defense capabilities.
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Local CAESAR 8x8 production in the Czech Republic will strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank, ensuring a ready and adaptable artillery force within Central Europe (Picture source: KNDS France)

The CAESAR 8x8, manufactured by KNDS, is a wheeled self propelled howitzer featuring a 155mm/52-caliber gun mounted on an 8x8 truck chassis, offering superior mobility, reduced logistical footprint, and quick deployment compared to tracked counterparts. The system is equipped with a fully automated loading system, advanced fire control, and the ability to fire NATO-standard munitions up to 40 km with conventional shells and over 50 km with extended-range projectiles. CAESAR 8x8 combines combat-proven technology with increased payload, crew protection, and operational flexibility, making it suitable for modern high intensity and expeditionary operations.

Developed as an evolution of the original CAESAR 6x6, which saw extensive use in Afghanistan, Mali, and most recently in Ukraine, the CAESAR 8x8 reflects lessons learned in mobility, protection, and firepower. KNDS partnered with Czech industry for this version, ensuring up to 40 percent local content. The first prototype was unveiled at IDET 2023, followed by extensive testing under Czech Army requirements, leading to the full production launch scheduled for June 2025.

Compared to traditional tracked systems such as the German PzH 2000 or South Korean K9 Thunder, CAESAR 8x8 offers unmatched strategic mobility thanks to its wheeled chassis, which allows rapid road and air transportability. While not as heavily armored as tracked systems, it compensates with faster shoot and scoot capabilities, essential for survival on modern contested battlefields. Historically, wheeled howitzers have gained prominence due to lower maintenance costs and superior mobility in hybrid warfare scenarios.

Strategically, local CAESAR 8x8 production in the Czech Republic will strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank, ensuring a ready and adaptable artillery force within Central Europe. It reinforces Czech industrial sovereignty and enables faster replenishment of stocks in times of crisis. Geopolitically, it supports European defense autonomy by reducing dependence on external suppliers and fosters cross-European collaboration in the defense sector. Militarily, it equips Czech and NATO forces with a cutting edge system proven effective in modern conflict environments such as Ukraine.

The initial Czech contract, valued at approximately 335 million euros, covers 62 units with deliveries scheduled through 2026. Additional orders are expected from NATO partners, with discussions underway with several European countries seeking to modernize their artillery forces. France and Denmark already operate CAESAR variants, and Ukraine has praised the system’s performance in combat. The Czech production line is poised to become a key supplier for the region.

This development marks a significant leap in the Czech Republic’s defense capabilities and industrial role within NATO. By hosting local CAESAR 8x8 production, the country not only enhances its own artillery power but also becomes a critical contributor to the collective firepower and resilience of NATO’s artillery forces, addressing urgent modernization needs and reinforcing European defense readiness in an era of increasing strategic uncertainty.