France commits full CAESAR production to aid Ukraine
The President of France announced the delivery of Ukraine's entire annual production of CAESAR howitzers, which significantly enhances Ukraine's ability to combat Russia.
Emmanuel Macron revealed during a speech on the TV program TF1 that France's artillery production capabilities would be redirected to bolster Ukraine. This decision involves channeling the entire annual output of CAESAR howitzers to fulfill Ukraine's requirements.
The Nexter group was projected to achieve a monthly production rate of up to 12 CAESAR howitzers in 2024, leading to a potential maximum of 144 units annually if fully financed. Some funding derives from France, while additional resources come from an international coalition or Ukraine.
CAESAR — a simple howitzer from France with great potential
The CAESAR howitzers, officially known as CAmion Equipe d'un Systeme d'ARtillerie, loosely translate to "artillery system mounted on a truck" and were developed in the 1990s as a cost-effective alternative to the F3 howitzers.
This resulted in a modern NATO artillery system with a 155 mm caliber, mounted on a six-wheeled military truck, such as the Renault Sherpa 10 or Unimog, offering low operational costs. This concept gained international recognition, leading to numerous orders. The CAESAR has proven effective in low-intensity regional conflicts, and its weight of 20 tons allows easy air transport.
Huge range, but also fragility
CAESAR can engage targets at distances of 30 to 37 miles using rocket-assisted rounds or 18 miles with basic rounds. Additionally, it can fire experimental Vulcano GLR rounds with a range of up to 50 miles, and Bonus self-propelled shells enhance its effectiveness against tanks.
The system boasts a firing rate of up to 6 rounds per minute and can fire in MRSI mode. CAESAR can occupy or vacate a firing position in less than a minute, making it highly valued in Ukraine.
Despite its numerous advantages, CAESAR also has drawbacks. The cabin in the 6x6 version is unarmored (with an option for armor protection), while the 8x8 version offers enhanced security. Ukraine has shown that wheeled traction is less effective in challenging terrain than tracked traction. Moreover, the wiring insulation in some units, made from corn fiber, attracts mice.
