The French military industry ramped up the production of Caesar self-propelled howitzers, manufacturing six Caesars per month instead of two, as it was at the beginning of the Russian all-out war against Ukraine in February 2022, according to the Defense Ministry of France.
Along with the increase in production volumes, the delivery time of howitzers has been reduced from 30 to 15 months.
“The tripling of production capacity will allow France to replace the 18 Caesars sold to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia by early 2024. This means that the stocks will be replenished a year ahead of schedule,” the Defense Minister of France, Sébastien Lecornu said on 16 October during his visit to the KNDS plant in Roanne that manufactures Caesar howitzers. “This will also allow us to continue deliveries to all French partners who have decided to turn to us to equip their ground forces,” Sébastien Lecornu added.
France handed over 18 Caesar self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine in 2022, at the initial stages of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. In January 2023, France agreed to deliver 12 more Caesar howitzers to Ukraine.
In addition, earlier this year, Denmark handed over all of its 19 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine, which it had ordered from the same French manufacturer.
France has also tripled its production of 155-mm shells, which are in high demand by Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Related:
- The US-EU joint statement reaffirms long-term support for Ukraine
- Denmark to donate all of its 19 French-produced Caesar howitzers to Ukraine
- European countries outdo US in supporting Ukraine, Lloyd Austin says
- Weekly Frontline Update: Russian debacle in Avdiivka
