CAESAR Howitzer

Manufacturer: KNDS France
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 155 mm
Engine Power Diesel (~370–450 hp depending on chassis)
Maximum Speed ~100 km/h
Armor Type Base level, optional STANAG 2

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	CAESAR 155mm Self‑Propelled Howitzer
Type / Role	Wheeled Self‑Propelled Artillery
Manufacturer	KNDS France
Country of Origin	France
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2008
Unit Cost	Approx USD 5 million
Crew	3–5

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	~10.0 m
Width	~2.55 m
Height	~3.1 m
Weight	~17.7–30.2 tonnes
Ground Clearance	Standard truck level
Chassis Material	Military truck steel frame

3. Performance

Engine Type	Diesel Engine
Engine Power	215 hp (6x6) / 460 hp (8x8)
Power-to-Weight Ratio	12-15 hp/ton
Transmission	Automatic
Maximum Speed (Road)	100 km/h
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	50 km/h
Operational Range	600 km
Suspension Type	Independent Wheel

4. Armament

Main Gun	155 mm/52 cal Howitzer
Ammunition Capacity	18-30 rounds
Secondary Armament	Optional 7.62mm MG
Gun Elevation/Depression	+72° / -3°
Fire Control System	Digital Automated FCS
Stabilization	Hydraulic Stabilizer
Rate of Fire	6 rounds per minute

5. Protection & Armor

Armor Type	Light Ballistic Protection
Reactive Armor	None
Active Protection System (APS)	Optional
NBC Protection	Yes
Smoke Grenade Launchers	Optional
Fire Suppression System	Manual/Automatic
Mine Protection	Basic

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	30%
Side Slope	20%
Trench Crossing	1.2 m
Vertical Obstacle	0.5 m
Fording Depth	1.2 m
Turning Radius	15 m
Amphibious Capability	No

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Yes
Thermal Imaging	Optional
Night Vision	Infrared
Laser Rangefinder	Yes
Ballistic Computer	Yes
Communication System	Tactical Radio
Battlefield Management System	Integrated

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	French Army
Primary Operator	France, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Morocco
Combat Experience	Ukraine, Mali, Afghanistan, Yemen
Upgrade Packages	MkII, 8x8 Variant
Export Status	Approved for Allies
Production Status	Active

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

High tactical mobility on varied terrain
Long‑range fire support beyond 40 km
Quick set‑up and shoot‑and‑scoot capability
Modern fire control with integration options
Air transportable for rapid deployment

CONS

Armor protection limited on baseline models
Requires logistical support for ammo supply
Wheeled chassis less off‑road than tracked guns
Cost per unit significant for large armies
Crew exposed during resupply without upgrades

CAESAR 155mm Self‑Propelled Howitzer

Manufacturer, Purpose, and Combat Use

Built by KNDS France (formerly Nexter Systems), CAESAR stands for Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie, or truck with an artillery system. It was designed to give brigades a highly mobile gun capable of shoot‑and‑scoot operations, reducing exposure to counter‑battery fire. The howitzer gives U.S. partners and NATO allies a NATO‑standard 155mm gun on a tactical vehicle that moves quickly, fires with little preparation, then relocates. Its combat history includes deployments in Middle East conflicts and significant use in Ukraine since 2022.

Major Capabilities

The heart of CAESAR is its 155mm, 52‑caliber cannon with an effective range of up to 42 km using extended‑range shells. Advanced ammunition types such as rocket‑assisted or guided rounds can propel fire beyond 50 km, giving commanders flexible engagement options. The system sustains a rate of fire around six rounds per minute and carries about 18 ready‑to‑fire projectiles.

Technology and Mobility

CAESAR uses an inertial navigation system, ballistic computer, and optional muzzle velocity radar to quickly lay the gun without traditional survey teams. The wheeled chassis (6×6 or 8×8) brings strategic mobility with road speeds up to 100 km/h and a 600 km operational range, all while being transportable by tactical airlifters like C‑130 or A400M aircraft. Crew cab protection can be upgraded to STANAG level 2 ballistic and mine resistance on modern variants.

CAESAR 155mm Self‑Propelled Howitzer Price

The CAESAR 155mm Self‑Propelled Howitzer is a mobile artillery platform trusted by modern armies for fast, accurate long‑range fire support. Mounted on a rugged wheeled truck chassis, this French‑designed system brings heavy firepower without the logistical burden of heavier tracked guns. Since entering service in the late 2000s, CAESAR has seen action from Afghanistan to Ukraine, where it has supported maneuver forces with rapid, precise indirect fire.

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