Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer
Both conscripts and reservists will operate Estonia's CAESAR SPH.(Photo: ECDI)
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) signed contracts in June 2024 to acquire 12 CAESAR (CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie) wheeled self-propelled howitzers (SPH). The contract also includes the option to purchase additional howitzers.
Estonia has received the first batch of 12 KNDS France CAESAR 155mm 6x6 SPH ordered last year and the systems are on their way for deployment with the country’s newly established 3rd Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion. The first delivery is believed to consist of six weapons.
The weapon is seen as a step change by the country’s military leadership and Lt Col Rauno Viitmann, project officer for the procurement, said: “[It] increases the firepower and reaction speed of the Estonian division.”
Viltmann added: “Both conscripts and reservists will operate the self-propelled howitzers. Conscript training will begin in the coming weeks and reservist training exercises are planned for [mid-2025]."
Related Articles
Eurosatory 2022: Lithuania aims to order Caesar
Nexter contracted for an additional 18 Caesar artillery pieces
French Army to receive 109 CAESAR MkII howitzers from 2026
The CAESAR Mk1 is a 155mm calibre indirect fire weapon that enables units to engage targets more than 40km away and relocate quickly over long distances.
The standard calibre allows the system to be used with various NATO-compatible munitions and commonality as it is a system used by five NATO countries.
The high level of automation, combined with its relative simplicity, is designed to enable crews to be trained within a few weeks and its widespread use in 14 countries means long-term logistical support, spare parts availability and economies of scale.
France is the largest customer having ordered 204 with deliveries ongoing but Indonesia (55), Saudi Arabia (132) and Czech Republic (62) have also placed with the latter two countries still receiving weapons.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign]()
UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
-
![Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover]()
Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the arrival of more Patriot air defence systems in his country. The development follows the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling for 10 more systems last month and Zelenskyy reiterating the need for more.
-
![Norway orders improved NASAMS technology as more countries sign up]()
Norway orders improved NASAMS technology as more countries sign up
The country’s air defence batteries will be equipped with new command posts, wheeled communication nodes and radios. The system itself is in service with more than 14 countries with 13 systems in Ukraine.
-
![Ukraine’s ground robot army still finding its feet]()
Ukraine’s ground robot army still finding its feet
Ukraine’s quest to replace soldiers with robots is hitting technical snags. Shephard spoke with industry leaders about difficulties in the field and what solutions are in the pipeline.
-
![DOK-ING presents CUAS MV-8 armed with Valhalla Mangart 25 turret]()
DOK-ING presents CUAS MV-8 armed with Valhalla Mangart 25 turret
The partnership between Croatia’s DOK-ING and Slovenia’s Valhalla Turrets reflects an effort to combine ground robots and with improved capabilities and new roles and follows Rheinmetall presenting its Ox with Dispatch charging docks from Valinor.
-
![British Army vehicle programme may be shifting gears again]()
British Army vehicle programme may be shifting gears again
The UK’s effort to replace thousands of vehicles across a dozen base vehicle types has had a troubled history and statements from the UK’s Defence Minster Luke Pollard indicate change may be on the way.
