Frozen Russian assets to fund crucial CAESAR howitzer upkeep
The French Foreign Minister, speaking from Lviv in western Ukraine, noted that interest from frozen Russian assets will be used to maintain the CAESAR howitzers deployed in Ukraine to combat Russian forces.
As reported by Le Figaro on Friday, May 9, 2025, the French Foreign Minister was in Lviv, western Ukraine. "We will announce shortly that, thanks to the mobilization of revenues from frozen assets, France will be able, through its company KNDS, to ensure the operational maintenance of the CAESAR howitzers supplied to Ukraine."
The CAESAR howitzers are the largest Western artillery system supplied to Ukraine. Currently, 154 howitzers have been announced, a significant portion of which are already engaged in Ukraine. France itself has pledged to deliver 60 units, with some already in use, and Denmark has donated all 19 of its CAESAR 8x8 versions.
CAESAR — a simple howitzer from France
The CAESAR howitzers, an acronym for "CAmion Equipé d'un Système d'ARtillerie," meaning in loose translation, an artillery system mounted on a truck, were developed in the 1990s as a cost-effective and easy-to-transport successor to the F3 howitzer.
The goals were achieved, which allowed for the creation of a modern NATO artillery system with a 155 mm caliber barrel of 52 calibers in length, mounted on a regular six-wheeled military truck, Renault Sherpa 10 or Unimog. The concept gained significant recognition in the international market, resulting in numerous orders.
CAESAR performed excellently in low-intensity regional conflicts, and its weight of 40,000 pounds allowed for easy air transport. However, it is mainly utilized in regional low-intensity conflicts. It is worth noting that the option to install a suitable additional package exists.
CAESAR — great range but also some package drawbacks
CAESAR can engage targets at distances of 31-37 miles using rocket-assisted projectiles or 19 miles with the more affordable base bleed projectiles. Meanwhile, the use of experimental Vulcano GLR projectiles increases the range up to 50 miles, and the Bonus self-guided shells turn CAESAR into a tank hunter.
All this comes with a firing rate of up to 6 rounds per minute and the ability to fire in deadly MRSI mode. Additionally, as a modern system, CAESAR can occupy or leave a firing position in under a minute. The system is well-regarded in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, CAESAR is not without flaws. The issue is the unarmored or only reinforced cabin, except for the heavier Danish version. Another problem is the wheeled traction, which loses out in challenging terrain compared to tracked traction. Additionally, the wiring insulation in some units is made of eco-friendly materials (corn wool), making it a target for mice at the front.
