According to its announcement, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has awarded KNDS an order for 109 6×6 self-propelled howitzers CAESAR MkII, currently under development.

The first units will be delivered in 2026 and they will first replace the self-propelled howitzers AUF1 at the end of operational service, thus offering an unprecedented capacity since the commissioning of the CAESAR 6×6 system in 2008. 

Also read: France | Modernization of CAESAR gun by Nexter

This order also includes support for the systems during their first two years in service. 

As announced by KNDS, the development of the CAESAR MkII was launched in December 2021. The main improvements concern crew protection, the mobility of the vehicle (new chassis), and its radio equipment.

Specifically, the vehicle’s cabin protection is reinforced against mines and ballistic rounds in order to resist improvised explosive devices and small-caliber munitions. This need emerged during France’s latest engagements in Afghanistan and the Sahel.

It is also noted that the CAESAR MkI 6X6 has been in service with the Ukrainian Forces since 2022. The use of the said system is also under continuous evaluation.

Also read: DEFEA 2023 | ARQUUS – Dynamic presence with VBL Ultima and the VLRA trucks for the Hellenic Army

In addition, the mobility of the CAESAR MkII is improved with the integration of a new engine (460 HP compared to 215 HP), a new automatic gearbox, and a new chassis supplied by Arquus.

The CAESAR MkII carries the latest-generation fire control software on board and its cabin can support the future generation of NCT-t radios.

[#Commandes 📑] Missiles Akeron MP & Mistral 3

La DGA a commandé auprès de @MBDAFrance
▪️ 1300 missiles Akeron MP #MMP
▪️ 329 missiles Mistral 3

➡️ à destination de @armeedeterre et @MarineNationale ⤵️#NotreDéfense – @Armees_Gouv

©️ MBDA et DGA pic.twitter.com/OwHmro3be1

— Direction générale de l'armement (@DGA) February 1, 2024

In the same announcement, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) mentioned that, apart from the 109 CAESAR MkII, it has placed an order of 1300 Akeron MP και 329 Mistral 3 missile systems from MBDA France.

Also read: Croatia | Acquisition of Mistral 3 air defence missile systems from MBDA