Nexter exhibits CAESAR 8x8 self-propelled howitzer at IDET 2021 in Czech Republic
Nexter Group is presenting part of its product catalogue at the IDET 2021 exhibition in Brno, Czech Republic, from 6 to 8 October 2021. A week after the Czech Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the purchase of 52 CAESAR 8x8 self-propelled howitzers, Nexter is exhibiting a sample of the CAESAR and an overview of its artillery ammunition range.
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CAESAR 8x8 155mm self-propelled howitzer (Picture source: Nexter)
On 30 September 2021, Czech Defence Minister Lubomír Metnar signed a contract for the procurement of 52 CAESAR 8x8 guns, in the presence of French Minister of Defence Florence Parly and Nexter CEO Nicolas Chamussy. By placing this major order, the Czech Republic becomes the third European customer and the seventh user of the CAESAR in the world. With more than 350 units ordered in France and for export, the CAESAR has become the benchmark in the wheeled artillery systems market. The CAESAR 8x8 installed on the stand corresponds to the version already acquired by the Danish army. The configuration of the Czech version is still under discussion with the operational staff.
After the sale of 19 CAESAR 8x8 to Denmark mounted on Tatra Trucks chassis and the supply of 6x6 Titus armored vehicles to the Czech Army, produced under license with the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), cooperation between Nexter and the Czech defense industry is developing around a large-scale artillery program.
In addition to Tatra Trucks, who supplies the chassis, the contract provides for the involvement of several CSG Group companies: Excalibur Army is in charge of assembling the CAESARs intended for the Czech Republic, Tatra Defence Vehicles produces the armored cabin locally, and RETIA integrates the communication resources and equipment linked to the artillery fire control system. The partnership also covers ammunition, mainly with the companies STV and Explosia, to enable the local supply of conventional shells and modular charges. Special ammunition such as complex ammunition or ammunition with insensitive explosives will be supplied by Nexter's ammunition unit.
CAESAR is a 155mm (52 calibers) self-propelled gun in service since 2008. This weapon system, designed by Nexter, is the main armament of the French army's artillery regiments as well as many foreign artilleries that have chosen this robust, high-performance gun. Designed for direct support of troops in contact or support in-depth, it has proven its worth in numerous external operations. Its high performance makes Nexter an undisputed reference in the field of land artillery.
CAESAR 8x8 155mm self-propelled howitzer (Picture source: Nexter)
