Croatia Joins France in Joint Procurement of CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzers.

On June 17, 2024, during the EUROSATORY exhibition in Paris, the Republic of Croatia signed a significant Framework Agreement with France to procure 155 mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. This agreement marks a collaborative step forward in enhancing Croatia’s defense capabilities.
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The CAESAR is a mobile artillery system designed in France. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The agreement was signed by a delegation from the Croatian Ministry of Defense, led by Ivica Grebenar, Director of the Directorate for Material Resources. This strategic partnership allows Croatia to participate in a program managed by the French Armaments Agency (Direction générale de l'armement – DGA), which oversees procurement not only for France but also for other interested nations.

The Framework Agreement, known as the Framework Arrangement (FA), establishes the legal framework and cooperation methods for the procurement process. Although the FA itself is non-binding and does not commit any country to purchase, it sets the stage for potential procurement upon the signing of an Acquisition Order. This order would authorize France to carry out procurement on behalf of Croatia.

Financing for each participating country will be sourced from their national budgets, with additional support from European Union co-financing funds. France and its partners aim to secure funding through the EU’s EDIRPA (European Defense Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act) program, which could cover 10% to 15% of the total joint procurement costs.

The CAESAR (CAmion Équipé d'un Système d'ARtillerie) is a mobile artillery system designed in France, widely used by several countries, including France, Indonesia, Thailand, and Ukraine. This self-propelled gun is equipped with a 155 mm/52 cal. cannon, capable of firing with precision and efficiency over long distances.

The CAESAR is designed to be operated by a crew of three to five soldiers. It is equipped with various combat systems, including a heater, an NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection system, and a white searchlight, allowing versatile use on the battlefield. In terms of protection, the standard version of the CAESAR has an unprotected cab, but it can be upgraded to provide Level 2 ballistic protection, Level 2 mine protection, and protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Weighing less than 18,000 kg, the CAESAR is mounted on a truck chassis capable of reaching a speed of 90 km/h on roads and 50 km/h off-road. With a range of 600 km, it can move quickly to meet the demands of modern operations. Its dimensions are also notable, with a length of 9.94 m, a width of 2.55 m, and a height of 3.2 m, allowing for flexibility in various deployment environments. The CAESAR thus combines mobility, firepower, and protection, making it a valuable asset for the armed forces that use it.

This collaboration underscores the growing defense ties between Croatia and France, enhancing mutual capabilities and contributing to regional security.