Self-Propelled Howitzer
KNDS CAESAR
CAESAR is a French truck-mounted 155 mm /52 calibre self-propelled howitzer made by KNDS France, formerly Nexter. Able to fire and leave its position in about a minute, it has seen heavy use in Ukraine and is exported to Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Morocco and several European armies.
France|KNDS France (formerly Nexter / GIAT Industries)Overview
First shown at Eurosatory in 1994 and in French service since 2008, CAESAR mounts a long 52-calibre gun on a wheeled chassis. The 6×6 version uses an Arquus Sherpa 5 truck, weighs about 17.7 t and can be flown in a C-130 or A400M, while the 8×8 on a Tatra chassis carries 36 rounds. It reaches about 40–42 km with base-bleed shells and around 55 km with rocket-assisted ammunition, firing about six rounds a minute.
CAESAR has fought in Afghanistan, Mali, Iraq and Syria against ISIS, on the Saudi–Yemen border and in Ukraine. France and Denmark supplied well over 100 to Kyiv, and production rose from about ten a year to several a month after 2022. The CAESAR Mk II adds an armoured cab and a 460 hp engine; France ordered 109, and Belgium, Lithuania, Estonia and Croatia have also signed. Saudi Arabia is the largest export customer.
Key Specifications
Variants
The original air-transportable version on an Arquus Sherpa 5 truck, weighing about 17.7 t and carrying 18 rounds.
A heavier version on a Tatra chassis carrying 36 rounds, ordered by the Czech Republic and supplied to Ukraine by Denmark.
The new-generation model with an armoured cab, 460 hp engine and upgraded fire control, ordered by France and several allies.
Operators
France
Saudi Arabia
Indonesia
Thailand
Morocco
Czechia
UkraineFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a CAESAR howitzer cost?
A CAESAR Mk I is commonly estimated at roughly €4–5 million per system. The newer CAESAR Mk II and 8×8 versions cost more, and export contract values also include ammunition, training and support.
What is the range of the CAESAR howitzer?
CAESAR fires about 40–42 km with base-bleed or ERFB shells and around 55 km with rocket-assisted ammunition. Its long 52-calibre barrel gives it more range than older 39-calibre guns such as the M109.
How many CAESAR howitzers does Ukraine have?
Ukraine has received well over 100 CAESARs, according to reports, from French donations, a Ukraine-funded production line and Denmark’s 19 CAESAR 8x8s. The exact number still in service is not published.
CAESAR vs Archer: which is better?
Both are wheeled 155 mm /52 howitzers built for shoot-and-scoot tactics. Sweden’s Archer has an automatic loader and an armoured cab, while CAESAR is lighter, generally considered cheaper and has a longer combat record, including heavy use in Ukraine.
Which countries use the CAESAR howitzer?
CAESAR is used by France, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Thailand, Morocco, the Czech Republic and Ukraine. Armenia, Belgium, Lithuania, Estonia and Croatia have also ordered versions, with deliveries phased over several years.
How fast can CAESAR fire?
CAESAR fires about six rounds per minute and can come into action, fire and leave its position in roughly a minute. This shoot-and-scoot ability is its main protection against counter-battery fire.