United to win: Franco-German defense group KNDS to provide Ukraine with 12 Caesar systems

Ukraine contracted with the Franco-German defense group KNDS to acquire 12 Caesar self-propelled artillery systems.

The Minister of Defense of France, Sebastien Lecornu, reported that on X (Twitter.)

On the sidelines of the industrial forum in Kyiv, the KNDS group concluded a contract to supply 12 Caesar artillery units to Ukraine. Financing of deliveries is carried out at the expense of Ukraine.

According to the minister, the agreement is part of efforts to increase the defense industry's production capacity, which is aimed at supporting Ukraine in its resistance to Russian aggression.

For reference:

Caesar is a contemporary piece of mobile artillery that seamlessly integrates mobility, precision, and firepower. It can swiftly rotate, unleash a barrage of fire, and promptly evacuate the area to evade any potential retaliatory attacks.

Due to its versatility, Caesar is used by many armies worldwide. It can be used in various conditions, from deserts to mountainous areas.

The installation is equipped with an automated fire control system, which significantly increases firing efficiency.

Caesar is essential in modern armed conflicts, providing artillery support for ground forces.

Characteristics of the CAESAR howitzer:

• the weight of the howitzer is 32 tons;
• length – 12.3 meters;
• height – 3.1 meters;
• width – 2.8 meters;
• speed – 80 kilometers per hour on the road and 50 kilometers per hour off-road;
• range – 600 kilometers on the road;
• caliber – 155 mm;
• fires up to 6 shots in less than a minute;
• firing range – 40 kilometers, depending on the type of ammunition;
• engine – V8, 420 horsepower.

In February 2023, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that Copenhagen transferred its Caesar self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced in March 2024 that Paris would provide Ukraine with 78 Caesar installations and a larger supply of ammunition.

Belgium is preparing to deliver three Caesar self-propelled artillery installations to Ukraine.

The Artillery Coalition to Strengthen the Ukrainian Army began operating in the French capital of Paris on January 1. Ukraine aims to acquire additional Caesar self-propelled artillery and ammunition and incorporate artificial intelligence into its control systems.

The "coalition of artillery" was officially established in Paris on January 18th to strengthen Ukraine's defense against Russia. Led by France and the USA, this coalition functions under the Rammstein format, within the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

Twenty-three countries will join the "artillery coalition." The coalition aims to "join forces to help Ukraine have artillery—in the short and long term," explained the French Ministry of Defense.

On January 18, in the afternoon, Rustem Umerov and his French colleague Sebastien Lecornu were scheduled to tour the Nexter industrial facilities in Bourges, where they manufacture Caesar self-propelled artillery units and the MBDA missile ship in Sel-Saint-Denis.

In Ukraine, Danish Caesar self–propelled howitzers were deployed for combat operations.