France and Denmark Accelerate the Delivery of Additional CAESAR Howitzers to Ukraine for Early 2025.

On December 6, 2024, the Danish Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with France, announced a major acceleration in the timeline for the delivery of CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. Originally planned for delivery in 2026, the advanced artillery systems will now be sent as early as 2025. This development highlights the commitment of European allies to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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Danish CAESAR 8x8 howitzer in action during training exercises for Ukrainian forces. (Picture source: Ukraine MoD)

The CAESAR howitzers, manufactured by French defense company KNDS, have already proven their value on the battlefield in Ukraine, where they have been used effectively against Russian forces since their initial deployment in 2022.

The decision to expedite the delivery follows a March 2024 announcement by French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who confirmed a joint procurement agreement involving 78 CAESAR 155mm/L52 self-propelled howitzers. This agreement includes contributions to Ukraine, Denmark, and France itself, showcasing a shared effort to reinforce artillery capabilities across NATO-aligned forces.

Denmark has already delivered 19 CAESAR 8x8 systems to Ukraine in April 2023, alongside other artillery systems, including the Zuzana 2 and Bohdana SPGs (Self-Propelled Guns), further strengthening Ukraine’s firepower in the ongoing conflict. France’s earlier contributions included the delivery of 48 CAESAR 6x6 variants, along with tens of thousands of advanced shells such as LU 211 HE and BONUS munitions, which have been instrumental in the precision strikes carried out by Ukrainian forces.

The CAESAR (CAmion Équipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie - Truck Equipped with Artillery System) is a 155mm/L52 self-propelled howitzer mounted on a wheeled chassis, making it highly mobile and suitable for rapid deployment in diverse combat environments. The system’s range extends up to 42 kilometers with standard ammunition and beyond 50 kilometers with rocket-assisted shells, ensuring effective long-range engagement. It features an advanced fire control system that allows for precise targeting, semi-automatic loading, and a high rate of fire, capable of delivering six rounds per minute. Its wheeled configuration offers logistical advantages, enabling swift movement between firing positions, which enhances survivability against counter-battery attacks. This makes the CAESAR an indispensable asset in modern artillery operations.

The CAESAR also has a digital onboard command system that integrates with NATO artillery networks, improving coordination and response times during joint operations. Its versatility allows it to engage various targets, including fortifications, enemy artillery, and armored units, providing a significant tactical advantage. Designed to operate in challenging terrains, the CAESAR has demonstrated exceptional performance in high-stakes combat scenarios, combining mobility with precision firepower.

Since its deployment in Ukraine, the CAESAR has been a cornerstone of the country’s artillery strategy against Russian forces. Ukrainian operators have praised its mobility, which allows them to strike enemy positions and relocate quickly to avoid retaliation. The howitzer’s precision has been instrumental in counter-battery operations, effectively neutralizing Russian artillery and disrupting enemy supply lines. Its ability to deliver rapid and accurate fire has helped Ukrainian forces maintain pressure on advancing Russian units and hold critical defensive positions. This combat experience has validated the CAESAR’s reputation as a reliable and adaptable artillery system, earning it widespread recognition among Ukrainian forces and their allies. The expedited delivery of additional CAESAR units is expected to further enhance Ukraine’s operational capabilities in 2025.

Artillery systems like the CAESAR are vital for the Ukrainian Army in the framework of the ongoing war against Russia, as they provide the firepower and precision necessary to counterbalance the numerical and material superiority of Russian forces. Long-range artillery enables Ukraine to strike critical enemy positions, disrupt supply lines, and weaken advancing units before they reach frontline engagements. Additionally, systems like the CAESAR, with their mobility and adaptability, allow Ukrainian forces to conduct hit-and-run operations, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire.

As the conflict evolves, modern artillery not only enhances Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory but also bolsters its strategic posture, ensuring it can sustain prolonged operations and repel aggressive offensives effectively. The timely delivery of advanced systems like the CAESAR strengthens this capability and underscores the crucial role of international support in securing Ukraine's sovereignty and stability.