Portugal to buy 36 Caesar self-propelled howitzers from France

27 October, 2024 Caesar Mk.1 wheeled self-propelled gun during a demonstration for the Portuguese military. Photo: defensearchives Portugal signed an agreement with France to purchase 36 Caesar wheeled self-propelled howitzers.

O Interior reported on this. The agreement was signed during the Day of the Armed Forces of Portugal celebration, also attended by the Minister of Defense Nuno Melo. As Defense Archives notes, miniatures of the countries that ordered the modern version of the self-propelled howitzers in the Caesar NG version were present at the signing table during the signing of the framework agreement.

Signing of the agreement for the purchase of Caesar wheeled self-propelled howitzers.

Photo credits: defensearchives

It may be assumed that Portugal will become the 4th user of the Caesar NG after Belgium, Lithuania, and France. "The protocol signed today provides for the acquisition of up to 36 of these pieces of equipment. The goal is for all Portuguese artillery to be equipped with the same weapon system, unlike now, when we have three different systems with all the logistical and operational implications that this brings," General Eduardo Mendes Ferrao, Portuguese Army Chief of Staff, stated.

The investment figure wasn't stated, but Mendes Ferrao stressed that all would be delivered until 2034. By this time, all Caesar NG wheeled self-propelled howitzers should be delivered. It should be noted that the Military Procurement Law provides for EUR60 million by 2026, which will likely be used to pay for French systems.

CAESAR MKII. Photo credits: NEXTER

According to the initial plan, the Portuguese army intends to create a single artillery platform to replace the M109A5 self-propelled howitzers, 155-mm M114A1 towed howitzers, and 105-mm M119 howitzers in the military. As part of the total order from export customers, the French company KNDS has a portfolio of orders for 353 Caesar wheeled self-propelled howitzers.

Among the largest customers are France (125 ACS ordered) and Ukraine (72 ACS ordered).

In addition to the European countries that ordered the French systems, a corresponding order was also placed by Armenia, which ordered 36 Mk.1 artillery systems.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Estonian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for the purchase of 12 Caesar self-propelled howitzers.