Ukrainian artillerymen praise the French CAESAR howitzer's efficiency against Russian units.

As reported by ArmyInform on June 10, 2024, the CAESAR 6x6 howitzer is highly regarded by Ukrainians for its precision and advanced GPS-aided targeting. On the front lines of Donetsk, the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade effectively utilizes this French artillery system's quick setup and firing capabilities to target enemy personnel, artillery batteries, bunkers, and to clear paths through minefields and field barriers. The vehicle's superior range of up to 42 km and automated systems, including navigation and tire inflation, further enhance its operational efficiency and maneuverability.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

On the front lines of Donetsk, the CAESAR 6x6 is used to target enemy personnel, artillery batteries, bunkers, and to clear paths through minefields and field barriers. (Picture source: Ukrainian 55th separate artillery brigade)

One of the operators is Artem, known by his callsign "Fiat," a 25-year-old commander of a self-propelled artillery battery. Artem studied at the National Academy of Ground Forces, specializing in missile troops and artillery, and joined the 55th Brigade after his studies. In 2021, the brigade was deployed to the Joint Forces Operation area and was there when the full-scale war began. Before mastering the CAESAR, Artem operated a Soviet-era Msta-B howitzer. He describes his current work as a continuous operation, focusing on targeting infantry and artillery. The CAESAR, with its 155 mm 52-caliber gun, has a firing range of up to 42 km and requires a five-person crew: a commander, a gunner, two service members, and a driver. The vehicle carries 18 rounds, comprising the shell and propellant charge.

Artem, originally from Zaporizhzhia, has family waiting for him back home. He notes that Donetsk is currently the most challenging front, with constant enemy advances and frequent confrontations with various moving targets such as tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armored personnel carriers. He mentions that their brigade has neutralized a significant amount of enemy equipment. The CAESAR they use is a 2023 model, and despite the heavy usage, the brigade's technicians have become capable of maintaining the equipment, including barrel replacements, ensuring no shortages or issues with supplies.

Another key figure is 26-year-old driver Yuriy, known as "Pryiomnyi," who explains his nickname, which means "adopted," because he was the only one from Ternopil in a team from Zaporizhzhia. Yuriy was drafted on April 20, 2022, and has been serving since. He finds the CAESAR interesting and emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance to keep it operational. Yuriy appreciates the vehicle's features, such as differential locks, full front-wheel drive, and automated tire inflation, which aid in maneuvering through difficult terrain. He has adapted to the navigation systems in French and English, finding the guidance provided by icons and error codes straightforward and helpful.

The gunner, also named Yuriy but with the callsign "Franco" due to his origins from the Ivano-Frankivsk region, shares insights into his role. At 33, he has operated various artillery systems since the onset of the full-scale war, including the Msta-B, Giatsint, and Slovak Zuzana before transitioning to the French CAESAR. He describes the CAESAR's features, with automated GPS-aided targeting allowing quick setup and precise strikes. The system can fire six rounds per minute and primarily uses standard high-explosive shells with a range of 200-250 meters. The team also utilizes cluster munitions, with Franco calculating the time of flight and manually setting the fuse to ensure detonation at the correct moment.

The CAESAR 6x6 is set up and ready to fire in less than 60 seconds and can be relocated in 40 seconds, supporting shoot-and-scoot tactics. (Picture source: Ukrainian 55th separate artillery brigade)

The CAESAR 6x6 is a French 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Nexter Systems (formerly Giat Industries) to support rapid deployment forces and replace the older TRF1 and AU-F1 GCT artillery systems. Its development began in the 1990s, with prototypes appearing in the early 2000s. The French Army tested pre-production models in 1998 and 1999, leading to an initial order of five units in 2000. These units were delivered by 2003 and further evaluated, which resulted in a larger order in 2004 for 72 CAESAR systems to replace older towed artillery pieces. Full-scale production started in 2006, with the first units delivered in 2008.

The CAESAR 6x6 has been used in various operations, including those in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. It is equipped with a 155 mm/52 caliber gun that can fire standard and rocket-assisted shells with ranges up to 42 km and over 50 km, respectively. Its rapid deployment capability allows it to be set up and ready to fire in less than 60 seconds and relocate in 40 seconds, supporting shoot-and-scoot tactics. The CAESAR can fire six rounds per minute and holds 18 rounds onboard. It has demonstrated its effectiveness in modern combat with more than 100,000 rounds fired in various operations​.

The success of the CAESAR 6x6 led to the development of several variants. The CAESAR 8x8 was introduced, featuring a heavier chassis and increased ammunition capacity for enhanced mobility and protection. More recently, the CAESAR 6x6 Mark II has been developed, with upgrades such as a new chassis, improved armor, a more powerful engine, and advanced fire control systems. This new generation aims to enhance crew protection, mobility, and firing efficiency. Contracts for the Mark II have been awarded, with production expected after a development phase​.