France Has Already Delivered 67 CAESAR Howitzers to Ukraine Only Five Destroyed and Two Damaged.

On October 7, 2024, the French newspaper "Le Point" released a video report revealing that Ukraine has received 67 CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers from France. These deliveries are part of a broader support effort by NATO countries to provide Ukraine with advanced military equipment to help counter Russian forces. According to the report, five of these howitzers have been destroyed, while two others have been damaged during the ongoing conflict.
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A French CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer in service with the Ukrainian army. (Picture source: Facebook Valerii Zaluzhnyi)

The CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer has quickly become one of Ukraine's most popular and effective weapons. Its success is largely due to its mobility, precision, and adaptability to different terrains, which make it well-suited to the dynamic and challenging conditions of the battlefield. The CAESAR is mounted on a wheeled truck chassis, allowing it to relocate swiftly after firing. This mobility makes it difficult for Russian forces to target the artillery in retaliatory strikes, allowing Ukrainian forces to employ "shoot-and-scoot" tactics that enhance their survivability and effectiveness.

In addition to its mobility, the CAESAR offers remarkable precision and range. Its 155mm cannon can strike targets up to 40 kilometers away with advanced fire control systems, enabling Ukrainian artillery to hit Russian positions from a considerable distance. This capability has proven essential in hitting key enemy infrastructure, command posts, and supply routes. Furthermore, its wheeled design allows the CAESAR to navigate Ukraine’s varied terrain with ease, making it operationally flexible in both open fields and urban areas.

The CAESAR is also known for its high rate of fire, capable of launching six rounds per minute, giving it substantial firepower during engagements. One of its standout features is its ability to quickly deploy and relocate. It can be ready to fire within 60 seconds of arriving at a position and can move out just as swiftly after completing a fire mission. This rapid deployment and mobility make it difficult for enemy forces to track and target, enhancing its survivability on the battlefield.

These capabilities—long-range, rapid rate of fire, and quick relocation—make the CAESAR a highly effective and versatile artillery system well-suited for the fast-paced and high-intensity nature of the conflict in Ukraine.

Furthermore, the CAESAR's relative affordability compared to other self-propelled artillery systems, such as tracked howitzers, instills confidence in Ukraine's cost-effective defense strategy. It provides significant firepower without the higher costs associated with other advanced weapons systems, making it a prudent choice for maintaining Ukraine’s artillery strength under financial constraints.

Despite the reported losses—five howitzers destroyed and two damaged—the CAESAR continues to play a critical role in Ukraine’s defensive strategy. Ukrainian forces have successfully used these systems in several key battles, where their mobility and precision have been decisive. 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. Alongside other NATO countries, France has been a key partner in providing military aid to Kyiv. As the war continues, Ukraine will likely request additional deliveries of CAESAR systems and other advanced weaponry to maintain its battlefield edge.

The CAESAR howitzer’s success in the conflict has reinforced its reputation as a crucial tool in Ukraine’s artillery strategy. Although losses are inevitable in war, the continued deployment of this system has given Ukraine an important advantage, allowing it to maintain resilience in the face of a protracted and grueling conflict with Russia.