French MoD awards Nexter contract to develop Caesar 6x6 Mark II
The French MoD is progressing with its efforts to improve its artillery capabilities with the selection of Nexter to develop the Caesar 6x6 Mark II system.
Deliveries of the new platforms are scheduled to take place by 2031. French defence procurement agency DGA
awarded Nexter a four-year initial development and qualification phase contract.
According to a Nexter press release on 19 February, in 2024 the DGA will decide either to launch the production of 109 new Caesar 6x6 Mark II vehicles or to manufacture 33 new Mark IIs and retrofit 76 in-service Caesars.
The new-generation Caesar 6x6 retains the current configuration of the artillery system and adds some improvements in terms of protection and manoeuvrability.
The vehicle has been redesigned by Arquus and is equipped with a far more powerful engine (460hp compared to 215hp previously), a new automatic gearbox and a new chassis. Nexter is also adding a NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2 armoured cabin that is resistant to IED and small-calibre ammunition.
Additionally, the platform will carry the latest version of fire-control software and will be prepared to accommodate the new Contact radio and the Thales Barage jammer.
More from Land Warfare
-
US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS
The US Army plans to procure a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) to replace the Textron Systems RQ-7Bv2 Shadow tactical UAV currently in service with the US Army's Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). The FTUAS is being developed under the wider Future UAS (FUAS) programme.
-
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans
The Russia–Ukraine war has continued to be the place the world’s militaries have been watching for lessons on both the EW and uncrewed front. Its conventional war aspect, however, has also been catching the attention of leaders.
-
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.