France Commits to Ukraine’s Defense, Sends Caesar Self-Propelled Howitzers and Ammunition

30 November, 2023 Caesar self-propelled howitzers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo from open sources. France will increase supplies of ammunition and purchase additional Caesar self-propelled howitzers for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported on this. During a meeting between the Ukrainian and French delegations in Kyiv, Weapons Engineer General Jean-Francois Doc stated that France would continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine in 2024. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Dmytro Klimenkov, and Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

The delegations discussed urgent military needs and types of weapons that France could provide to the Ukrainian army.

Meeting of the Ukrainian and French delegations. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

"This week we have already received the funds and will make a payment for an additional purchase of Caesar howitzers. I am grateful to France for the continuous supply of ammunition for these systems.

Of course, if possible, we would like to increase the number of howitzers," emphasized Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk. The parties also considered the possibility of strengthening cooperation in the defense sector and establishing logistics between the countries. "France is making every effort to help Ukraine.

Our Support Fund is trying to cover part of the costs of purchasing some spare parts and weapons for the Ukrainian side. We understand Ukraine's needs, so next year France will increase the supply of ammunition," said Jean-Francois Doc, Engineer-General for Weapons and Chairman of the Ukraine Support Fund. Dmytro Klymenkov and Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk thanked their French counterparts for their continued support of the Ukrainian army.

Meeting of the Ukrainian and French delegations.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Militarnyi reported on November 8, 2023 that the French government announced the allocation of an additional EUR200 million for the Ukrainian army support fund, used to finance arms purchases.

Previously, on October 3, it was reported that France would provide Ukraine with six more 155-mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzers manufactured by Nexter.

Due to the increased demand for self-propelled howitzers, the manufacturer Nexter has increased the production rate of Caesar self-propelled howitzers to six units per month and proposes to improve this figure.