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
-
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
-
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.