Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer
Both conscripts and reservists will operate Estonia's CAESAR SPH.(Photo: ECDI)
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
-
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.