France steps up support for Ukraine through new military supplies
Ukraine has already been using CAESAR SPH against Russia and will be receiving more. (Photo: Ukrainian Ministry of Defence)
France has outlined plans to boost its support for Ukraine in its war against Russia with a commitment of more munitions, artillery rounds and CAESAR (CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie) self-propelled howitzers through a substantial increase in industrial productivity.
Under plans outlined by French defence minister Sébastien Lecornu on 18 January, France will supply Ukraine with up to 78 CAESAR systems, seven to be purchased by Ukraine and delivered within weeks and 12 supplied by France at a cost of €50 million (US$54 million).
Lecornu said a further 60 systems would be supplied through international funding at a cost of €280 million.
A further 40 MBDA Scalp air-launched cruise missiles will be supplied in 2024 and France will supply 3,000 shells for 155mm guns per month, up from 1,000 shells per month early in the conflict and 2,000 per month since early last year. Additionally, France will supply 50 Safran Electronic Systems AASM Hammer air-to-ground modular weapons every month.
In April 2022, France stepped up its support for Ukraine by providing 12 CAESAR on Renault Trucks Defense 6x6 Sherpa chassis, ordering new units for its own army to replace those sent to support the war effort.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
NATO and Europe step up UGV efforts
The effort to develop uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) is heating up with research efforts and exercises improving the speed of the process and the war in Ukraine is working as a proving ground for rapid development and fielding.
-
HIMARS arrive in Hawaii as first multinational launch in Australia takes place
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher is in high demand with Lockheed Martin doubling speed of manufacture since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As orders are racked up in Europe, the Indo-Pacific region is seeing the increasing presence of the system.
-
Ireland’s Reamda develops new version of Riddler UGV
The company's Riddler uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) is designed to be small and light to allow easy deployment and the ability to access smaller areas such as bus or train aisles.