Armenia, Estonia Procure French Caeser Howitzers

Armenia and Estonia have entered into contracts with France to procure CAESAR self-propelled howitzers.

France's Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed the contract signing with Armenia on June 18. The announcement was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter) following a meeting with Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan. Details on the number of CAESAR systems to be acquired by Armenia were not disclosed.

The Estonian Center for Defense Investments (ECDI) signed a contract with the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) and the defense company KNDS for 12 CAESAR 155mm Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzers. The agreement was finalized during Eurosatory 2024 in Paris. Estonian officials specified that these 6×6 chassis CAESAR howitzers will be incorporated into the newly established third self-propelled artillery battalion of the Estonian Army, operating directly under the Estonian division.

The first batch of CAESARs is scheduled for delivery to Estonia by the end of 2024, with the remaining units to be delivered by mid-2025.

Developed by France, the CAESAR is a 155mm mobile howitzer weapon system capable of a range up to 40 kilometers and a firing rate of 6-8 rounds per minute. The CAESAR, available in 6×6 or 8×8 truck-mounted configurations, has been in active use by the French Army and other military forces worldwide since 2009.