German company Helsing AI to upgrade French CAESAR artillery systems with AI Technology.

On January 18, 2024, Sébastien Lecornu, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, announced that the German startup Helsing AI, specializing in defense artificial intelligence, will be responsible for enhancing the accuracy of the CAESAR artillery system. This statement follows a prior announcement about the production of 78 CAESAR artillery systems destined for Ukraine, as reported by the editorial team of Army Recognition on January 19, 2024.
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French 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment conducting firing training with 6X6 Caesar howitzer (Picture source: French Army)

Helsing is a startup specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) for defense, focusing on the development of military applications and components equipped with AI. This company received significant funding, raising 209 million euros in September 2023, supported by investors such as the Swedish group Saab and the venture capital firm General Catalyst.

Helsing's mission is to strengthen the defense of democracies by using AI to make military forces more effective. Their technology aims to enhance security and deterrence by utilizing real-time data. So far, Helsing has worked closely with governments in Europe, notably providing AI-enabled electronic warfare capabilities for the Eurofighter jet and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.

Regarding the enhancement of the CAESAR artillery systems, Helsing could contribute to increasing their precision through its AI expertise. Their AI platform could enable better analysis of targeting data and environmental conditions, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of artillery fire. This could include improvements in how data is processed and used for targeting, as well as in the algorithms guiding weapon systems.

By integrating AI into systems like the CAESAR, it is possible to significantly enhance these systems' ability to perform precise and effective firing, which is crucial in modern military operations. However, the specific details of Helsing's involvement in enhancing the CAESAR are not explicitly mentioned in the sources consulted.

The CAESAR 6x6, developed by Nexter Systems, a subsidiary of the French KNDS group, is a self-propelled artillery piece first deployed by the French military in 2008. This artillery system is armed with a 155mm/52 caliber gun, offering significant strategic and tactical mobility, suitable for diverse operational contexts.

A standout feature of the CAESAR is its 155mm cannon, which boasts a remarkable firing range, able to launch projectiles between 4.5 and 40 kilometers. It has a storage capacity that accommodates up to 18 projectiles and propellant charges, all securely stored in enclosed ammunition compartments. The gun system includes a hydraulic elevation mechanism and manual control options in case of hydraulic system failures. It offers indirect fire capabilities with an elevation range from -3° to +10° and a horizontal traverse from 21° left to 27° right.

The CAESAR's mobility is facilitated by a Renault dCI 6 diesel engine paired with a manual transmission, enabling top speeds of 90 km/h on roads and 50 km/h in off-road conditions. With a range of 600 kilometers, it can efficiently handle steep inclines of over 40% and side slopes of 30%. Additionally, it is capable of fording water bodies up to 1.20 meters deep without any preparatory modifications.

This adaptable artillery system can function independently or integrate smoothly with existing artillery command and control frameworks. Its design allows for customization to various truck chassis based on specific client needs, further enhancing its operational versatility. Deployed in several regions such as Afghanistan, Mali, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, the Sahel, the Middle East, and East Asia, the CAESAR has proved its effectiveness. More than 300 units have been produced, with its use extending to countries like France, Indonesia, Thailand, and Ukraine.