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France to Deliver 12 New Caesar Howitzers to Ukraine Using Frozen Russian Assets.
France has decided to intensify its military support to Ukraine by utilizing the interest generated from frozen Russian assets. This amount, totaling €300 million, will be used to fund the purchase of military equipment, including 12 new Caesar howitzers, Aster missiles, and AASM-guided bombs, to aid Kyiv in its fight against the Russian invasion. This initiative is part of France's ongoing efforts to provide substantial military assistance to Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues since February 2022.
Since the conflict began, France has actively contributed to Ukraine's military aid, having already delivered around 60 Caesar howitzers (Picture source: 55th Separate Artillery Brigade)
Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu revealed that this sum will enable the acquisition of 12 Caesar howitzers, accompanied by 155mm shells, as well as various other weapons, including Aster missiles, AASM guided bombs, and Mistral defense systems with their launchers and missiles. These supplies are intended to support the Ukrainian army in its fight against Russian forces, as the war approaches its third winter.
Since the conflict began, France has actively contributed to Ukraine's military aid, having already delivered around 60 Caesar howitzers. With this new delivery, the total will reach 80 by the end of 2024, demonstrating France’s commitment to continue its support despite the ongoing difficulties on the ground.
The 155mm Caesar self-propelled howitzer, mounted on wheels, has quickly become one of Ukraine’s most effective weapons. Its success lies largely in its mobility, precision, and adaptability to various terrains, making it well-suited to dynamic and challenging battlefield conditions. Mounted on a truck chassis, the Caesar can swiftly relocate after firing, making it difficult for Russian forces to target in counterattacks. This mobility enables Ukrainian forces to employ "shoot and scoot" tactics, increasing their survivability and operational efficiency.
The Caesar is also known for its high rate of fire, capable of launching six rounds per minute, providing substantial firepower during engagements. One of its key features is the ability to quickly deploy and relocate. It can be ready to fire within 60 seconds of arriving at a position and move out just as fast after completing a mission, reducing exposure to enemy counter-battery fire.
This artillery system offers precise, long-range fire support, with a firing range of up to 40 km. Equipped with a 155mm/52-caliber gun, it benefits from advanced fire control systems. Its wheeled chassis makes it air transportable, and its rapid deployment capability makes it an asset for armies requiring high reactivity on the battlefield. Furthermore, the Caesar's mobility after firing limits the risks of being targeted by enemy counter-attacks.
It can operate on a variety of terrains and in extreme conditions, from deserts to mountains. Its fire control and navigation systems include the Safran Sigma 30 and iXBlue systems, along with nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection, ensuring it can operate independently or within a network of artillery systems.
These capabilities—long-range, rapid rate of fire, and swift relocation—make the Caesar a highly effective and versatile artillery system, well-suited to the fast-paced and intense nature of the conflict in Ukraine.
Moreover, Caesar’s relative affordability compared to other self-propelled artillery systems, such as tracked howitzers, enhances Ukraine’s defense strategy by balancing cost and effectiveness. It offers significant firepower without the higher costs of other advanced systems, making it a practical choice to maintain Ukraine’s artillery capabilities under financial constraints.
The 155mm Caesar self-propelled howitzer, mounted on wheels, has quickly become one of Ukraine’s most effective weapons (Picture source: 55th Separate Artillery Brigade)
Despite reported losses—five howitzers destroyed and two damaged—the Caesar continues to play a critical role in Ukraine's defense strategy. Ukrainian forces have successfully employed these systems in several key battles, where their mobility and precision have been crucial. While some units have sustained damage due to the intensity of the conflict, ongoing repair and maintenance efforts have kept most of the fleet operational.
France's provision of these howitzers underscores its strong commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. Along with other NATO countries, France remains a key partner in providing military aid to Kyiv. As the war continues, Ukraine is likely to request further deliveries of Caesar systems and other advanced weaponry to maintain its battlefield advantage.
The Caesar’s success in this conflict has solidified its reputation as a key asset in Ukraine’s artillery strategy. Although losses are inevitable in war, the continued deployment of this system has given Ukraine a significant advantage, allowing it to maintain resilience in the face of a protracted and grueling conflict with Russia.
This announcement coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent presentation to his Western allies of a victory plan, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position ahead of potential negotiations with Russia. This plan, described as interesting by the French Defense Minister, highlights Ukraine’s preparations for possible talks while emphasizing the need for Kyiv to approach these negotiations with a favorable balance of power.
Western support, particularly from France, aligns with this strategy. It is not only about helping Ukraine withstand Russian aggression but also about building a strong Ukrainian army capable of deterring future threats. The issue of long-term security guarantees, including potential NATO membership, was also raised by the minister, who called for exploring all available means to ensure regional stability once the conflict ends.