France to hand over six more CAESAR self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine

3 October, 2023 Caesar self-propelled guns of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo from open sources France will provide Ukraine with six more 155-mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzers manufactured by Nexter.

La Tribune reported on this. The transfer was reportedly announced during the visit of French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu to Kyiv. In addition, an agreement was signed to service the CAESAR self-propelled howitzers and manufacture some parts at a Ukrainian enterprise.

As previously reported, about twenty contracts, letters of intent, or memoranda of understanding were signed with Ukrainian defense companies during French Minister Lecornu's visit to Ukraine.

CAESAR self-propelled howitzers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo credits: Valeriy Zaluzhny

In particular, the Minister said that France was going to move from "the logic of withdrawing weapons from its own stockpiles to the logic of industrial partnership" with Ukraine. The meeting discussed the possibility of launching joint production of certain types of weapons.

During the event, Volodymyr Zelensky noted the high efficiency of French weapons, including the CAESAR self-propelled howitzer.

CAESAR self-propelled howitzers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo from open sources

It is known that in 2022, France transferred 24 155mm artillery installations to Ukraine. It is worth noting that it regards CAESAR self-propelled guns or TRF1 howitzers.

In addition, CAESAR self-propelled howitzers are being transferred from other operating countries, led by Denmark, which provided Ukraine with howitzers on the Tatra T815 chassis.

Also in March, it was reported that France was ramping up production of CAESAR self-propelled howitzers to replace howitzers that had been transferred to Ukraine.