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With Growing Demand French Caesar Self-Propelled Howitzer Expands its Presence Worldwide.
Bulgaria has expressed interest in acquiring the Caesar self-propelled howitzer, designed in France. If finalized, this potential order could push total sales of the system beyond €2 billion, further confirming its appeal on the international market. The Bulgarian order aims to replace the Soviet-era 122mm Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers still in service, reflecting a transition toward more modern and NATO-compatible equipment.
Ukraine has also received multiple units as part of military support efforts, including 18 howitzers supplied by France and 19 transferred from Denmark, with an additional 78 units set to be produced for Kyiv by an international coalition in 2024 (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
According to Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, this acquisition is part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s armed forces, supported by funding from the European Defence Industry Development Programme. Like several Eastern European states, Bulgaria is reducing its reliance on Soviet-origin systems in favor of more advanced Western solutions, a shift driven by an increasingly tense security environment.
Designed by KNDS (formerly Nexter), the Caesar is one of the most widely used self-propelled artillery systems globally. It features a 155mm caliber gun with a 52-caliber barrel and offers mobility, precision, and firepower. Its digital fire control system enables automatic targeting and real-time ballistic calculations, enhancing its operational effectiveness. A muzzle velocity radar improves firing accuracy, while its hydraulic system allows rapid deployment and withdrawal, optimizing battlefield responsiveness. For protection, the system includes STANAG 2 armor against small arms fire and artillery shell fragments. Additionally, it can be fitted with the Thales BARAGE jammer, providing electronic warfare capabilities by disrupting enemy communications.
Caesar’s commercial success continues with Bulgaria’s interest, which could bring total sales of the system beyond €2 billion. Over 650 units have already been sold worldwide, securing its position as a key asset in modern artillery. Major operators include Saudi Arabia with 156 units, France with 186, Indonesia with 55, and the Czech Republic with 62. More recently, additional countries have placed orders, underscoring the growing demand for this system. Estonia ordered 12 Caesar 6×6 Mk I units in June 2024, with the first six delivered in January 2025. Belgium initially acquired nine Caesar NG 6×6 units in 2021 and expanded its fleet with 19 more in 2022, bringing the total to 28, with deliveries expected from 2027. Lithuania placed an order for 18 units in 2022, with deliveries set for 2026. France, the largest operator, confirmed an order for 109 Caesar NGs in February 2024, with deliveries planned between 2026 and 2030. Ukraine has also received multiple units as part of military support efforts, including 18 howitzers supplied by France and 19 transferred from Denmark, with an additional 78 units set to be produced for Kyiv by an international coalition in 2024.
The Caesar's unit price varies depending on contracts and configurations. Belgium, for example, spent approximately €48 million on its first nine units, averaging €5.3 million per system, while other transactions generally range between €3 million and €4 million per unit. The most recent orders primarily involve the Caesar NG 6×6, an upgraded variant featuring an armored cab, enhanced engine performance, and advanced electronic systems.
To meet growing demand, France has significantly increased production of the Caesar in recent years. In February 2022, at the start of the Ukraine conflict, KNDS’s Roanne facility was producing two units per month. This rate increased to six per month by October 2023 and reached eight per month at the beginning of 2024. In April 2024, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a further production increase, targeting 12 units per month soon. This acceleration aligns with a broader industrial shift aimed at adapting manufacturing capacities to the demands of a "war economy." To achieve this, France is implementing more flexible production lines, increasing workforce recruitment, and modernizing industrial facilities to support both national requirements and international orders.
The Caesar operates in a competitive market alongside several self-propelled artillery systems. Key alternatives include the German PzH 2000, the Swedish Archer, the Israeli ATMOS 2000, and the Czech Dana M2. The PzH 2000, a tracked howitzer, offers a higher rate of fire and superior protection but is heavier and more expensive, limiting its strategic mobility. The Archer, based on a Volvo 6x6 chassis, features a fully automated reloading system that reduces crew requirements but is bulkier and less adaptable to varied terrain. The ATMOS 2000 follows a more cost-effective approach, with a modular design on either a 6x6 or 8x8 chassis, though it has lower protection levels. The Dana M2, a wheeled self-propelled howitzer, is designed for fast deployment but retains a 152mm caliber gun, making it less compatible with NATO-standard munitions.
Despite competition, Caesar maintains key advantages, particularly in mobility, air transportability, and alignment with Western artillery doctrines. Its cost remains competitive compared to heavier systems while delivering proven battlefield performance. However, its main limitations include relatively light armor, making it more vulnerable in high-intensity engagements, and its semi-automatic loading system, which is slower than fully automated solutions like the Archer. Nevertheless, its sustained commercial success underscores its strong position as a leading choice in modern artillery.