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Artillery Production: KNDS France Triples CAESAr Output and Aims to Double It Again by 2026.
Before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, KNDS France's monthly production of CAESAr self-propelled howitzers was limited to just two units. This modest figure reflected an industrial model based on scheduled orders and a pace tailored to the needs of the French Army. However, since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the European strategic environment has shifted dramatically, emphasizing the need for industrial responsiveness and the ability to deliver equipment rapidly. In response, KNDS launched a major transformation of its production capabilities. According to an article published by La Tribune, the group increased its output in 2024 to six CAESAr systems per month, to reach eight per month in 2025. The target is to produce between 70 and 80 CAESAr systems over that year.
KNDS intends to expand its capacity further, planning to produce 12 CAESAr units per month by 2026 (Picture source: Army Recognition)
This acceleration is the result of substantial investments made by KNDS France starting in 2022. The production sites in Roanne and Bourges were expanded, modernized, and equipped with new lines. In Roanne, where the integration of CAESAr systems onto Arquus chassis takes place, the workforce has doubled over five years—from 850 employees in 2019 to more than 1,550 in 2024—with projections pointing to 1,600 in 2025. This structural transformation enabled a shift from on-demand manufacturing to continuous production, cutting lead times in half, according to the company.
The CAESAr (acronym for "Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie") is a 155 mm truck-mounted howitzer combining strategic mobility, rapid deployment, and precision fire support. Its performance in Ukraine has significantly increased international interest. The system’s ability to shoot, relocate quickly, and be transported efficiently has proven particularly valuable in high-intensity warfare environments, where evading counter-battery fire is critical.
KNDS intends to expand its capacity further, planning to produce 12 CAESAr units per month by 2026. This ramp-up is driven by growing international demand and the anticipation of potential large-scale orders from France in the context of an emerging war economy. Although no such major order has been confirmed to date, KNDS states that it is ready to respond rapidly, supported by an industrial tool now adapted for mass production.
This development is part of a broader trend among European armed forces. Several countries, concerned by the shifting security landscape, have turned to the CAESAr system to strengthen their artillery capabilities. Armenia, Estonia, and Croatia placed orders in 2024 for CAESAr units from KNDS France. These acquisitions are supported by a new European Union fund designed to accelerate land-based rearmament efforts, helping member states modernize their artillery while supporting the European defense industry.
In parallel, France confirmed in 2023 a purchase of 109 units of the CAESAr Mk II, a new version with enhanced protection and performance, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. This order follows the delivery or ongoing supply of 113 CAESAr systems to Ukraine, either through direct donations or via third-party acquisitions.
The CAESAr system is based on a 6x6 Sherpa chassis from ARQUUS and features a 155 mm/52-caliber howitzer capable of firing up to six rounds per minute at ranges of up to 40 kilometers. It carries 18 projectiles and charges and supports a wide range of ammunition, including BONUS smart munitions and KATANA guided rounds. The system includes automated aiming, a fire control computer, GPS, and full C4I network compatibility. Designed for crews of three to five soldiers, the CAESAr can be fitted with an armored cab compliant with STANAG 4569 Level 2 standards for protection against small arms fire, artillery fragments, and IEDs. A stabilizing spade is hydraulically deployed at the rear during firing operations to absorb recoil.
Its mobility is ensured by a Renault dCI 6 engine, allowing speeds of up to 90 km/h on roads and a range of 600 km. The CAESAr has been deployed in a wide variety of operational environments, including Afghanistan, Mali, the Levant, and the Sahel. It is currently in service with France, Ukraine, Thailand, and Indonesia. Its modular design allows for integration on other 6x6 or 8x8 chassis based on customer requirements.
The production expansion at Roanne also relies on a robust network of regional suppliers. Around 450 companies in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region are involved in the CAESAr supply chain. KNDS has strengthened its collaboration with these suppliers, offering them better visibility on future workloads to encourage investment, recruitment, and capability upgrades.
In addition, KNDS is preparing to implement an industrial reserve mechanism modeled on the military reserve system. This initiative, formalized in an agreement with France's defense procurement agency (DGA) in November 2024, aims to mobilize experienced volunteers—retired industry professionals, veterans in transition, and others—to support production in times of high demand. The first training sessions for this reserve are scheduled for the second half of 2025.
KNDS France’s current trajectory—focused on scaling up production of the CAESAr howitzer—illustrates how the European defense industry is adapting to new strategic requirements. It addresses urgent operational needs, particularly for frontline states like Ukraine, aligns with European aspirations for strategic autonomy, and contributes to rebuilding a production base capable of supporting long-term defense efforts. Through the CAESAr, KNDS is positioning itself as a central player in the future of European land-based defense capabilities.