Nexter Celebrates Unprecedented Surge in CAESAR Orders
The French and Lithuanian Defense ministers have formalized a technical agreement for collaboration in the artillery sector, encompassing a procurement of 18 CAESAR 6X6 MkII for the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The Czech Republic has secured 10 CAESAR 8X8 to finalize the 52 units purchased in 2021.
These agreements escalate the total count of CAESAR systems across all variants ordered in 2022 by 4 Nexter clients to 55.
The CAESAR 6X6 MkII represents a fresh iteration of the vehicle fitted with a 155mm artillery system. The development of this model was commissioned in 2021 by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) to meet the requirements of the French Army. It integrates a newly designed chassis by Arquus, an enhanced protected cabin, and the artillery mechanism from the existing version in operation.
CAESAR poised for commercial triumph in 2022
During 2022, the artillery platform conceived and produced by Nexter achieved various milestones: DGA has ordered 18 CAESAR 6X6 MkI units, which will reinstate the French Army’s inventory following transfers to the Ukrainian Army. The Czech Republic has procured 10 CAESAR 8×8 to supplement its previous order of 52 systems in 2021.
Nexter has entered into contracts in 2022 with two new user nations: Belgium and Lithuania have requested 9 and 18 CAESAR 6X6 MkII respectively. The development for this newest version was initiated in December 2021 by France, with an anticipated entry into service by 2026. For its domestic configuration, Lithuania will play an active role in the development phase of its 18 units.
A new chassis for enhanced mobility and armor
The primary upgrades of the CAESAR 6X6 MkII focus on crew safety and operational mobility. Mobility has been significantly improved by a more robust engine (460 hp as opposed to 215 hp previously), an advanced automatic transmission, and a next-generation chassis. This chassis is paired with a STANAG level 2 armored cabin providing protection against ballistic threats, mines, and IEDs. Moreover, the CAESAR MkII retains the same strategic mobility as the CAESAR MkI, being transportable via an A400 M military cargo aircraft.
Battle-tested artillery
The CAESAR MkII is outfitted with the identical 155mm/52 caliber cannon as the CAESAR MkI, alongside upgraded fire control software. Proven in various combat scenarios, the CAESAR offers a firing rate of 6 rounds per minute and precision strikes beyond 40km. Its dependability and effectiveness render it an optimal asset for high-intensity warfare.
