French DGA Orders 109 CAESAR MkII Mobile Artillery from Nexter

The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has issued a notification to Nexter, a KNDS company, confirming an order for 109 CAESAR MkII artillery systems.

The first delivery is anticipated in 2026.

The DGA's decision to procure 109 units of the CAESAR 6x6 MkII, currently in the developmental phase since December 2021, is aligned with the provisions outlined in the 2024-2030 military programming law. This strategic move aims to replace the outdated AUF1 and subsequently phase out the existing CAESAR 6x6 MkI within the French Army.

The announcement by Prime Minister Jean Castex in Roanne emphasized the order's importance in providing the French artillery with updated capacities. This includes the retirement of the CAESAR 6x6 MkI, introduced in 2008, and the subsequent adoption of the more advanced CAESAR 6x6 MkII.

The CAESAR MkII's key improvements focus on crew protection, vehicle mobility, and radio integration. These enhancements address the evolving nature of threats observed in recent military engagements, particularly in Afghanistan and the Sahel region.

Crew protection sees reinforced measures against mines and ballistic projectiles, acknowledging the challenges posed by improvised explosive devices and small-caliber munitions. Mobility is augmented by a new 460 HP engine, automatic gearbox, and a redesigned chassis supplied by Arquus. The CAESAR MkII also integrates the latest generation fire control software and is configured to accommodate future NCT-t radios.

Despite the advancements, the CAESAR MkII maintains the artillery system's core design from its predecessor, the CAESAR MkI, which has demonstrated reliability and effectiveness in various operational contexts.