SHAH ALAM: The Czech Republic has signed an order for 52 Caesar 8X8 truck mounted self propelled howitzers on Sept. 30. This will be the second order for the Caesar 8X8 SPH after Denmark which bought 19, 15 in 2017 and additional four in 2019. Shephard Media listed that the contract price for the 52 Caesars at some US$351 million (RM1.4 billion) including support, spares and training.
From Nexter
On September 30, 2021, Czech Defense Minister Lubomír Metnar signed a contract for the acquisition of 52 CAESAR self-propelled artillery guns in an eight-wheel drive (8×8) version, in the presence of French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and Nicolas Chamussy, CEO of Nexter Group. With this major order, the Czech Republic becomes the third European customer and the seventh user of the CAESAR in the world. With more than 350 units ordered in France and abroad, the CAESAR is the benchmark in the wheeled artillery systems market.
A consolidating partnership
After the sale of 19 CAESAR 8×8 to Denmark mounted on Tatra Trucks chassis and the supply of 6×6 TITUS armored vehicles to the Czech Army, produced under license with the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), cooperation between Nexter and the Czech defense industry is developing around a large-scale artillery program. In addition to Tatra Trucks, who supplies the chassis, the contract provides for the involvement of several CSG Group companies: Excalibur Army is in charge of assembling the CAESARs intended for the Czech Republic, Tatra Defence Vehicles produces the armored cabin locally, and RETIA integrates the communication resources and equipment linked to the artillery fire control system. The partnership also covers ammunition, mainly with the companies STV and Explosia, to enable local supply of conventional shells and modular charges. Special ammunition such as complex ammunition or ammunition with insensitive explosives will be supplied by Nexter’s ammunition unit.
A modern, proven and robust artillery system
CAESAR is a 155mm (52 caliber) self-propelled gun in service since 2008. This weapon system, designed by Nexter, is the main armament of the French army’s artillery regiments as well as many foreign artilleries that have chosen this robust, high-performance gun. Designed for direct support of troops in contact or support in depth, it has proven its worth in numerous external operations. Its high performance makes Nexter an undisputed reference in the field of land artillery.
By selecting the CAESAR eight-wheel drive (8×8) version, the Czech Ministry of Defense has chosen a system that is perfectly suited to high-intensity combat. On the one hand, this version of the CAESAR carries 36 shells, which gives it a high ammunition autonomy. On the other hand, resupply is carried out at a high rate (three minutes compared with ten for its fully automated competitors). Thanks to its low mass, the CAESAR 8×8 has a lower fuel consumption than heavy tracked howitzers, which is a major advantage in high-intensity combat configurations where the fluidity of logistical supplies is threatened by long-range artillery. Lastly, the CAESAR is recognized for its excellent battery in and out of action performance.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (24)
Good for them but kinda weird cuz just recently excaliburarmy introduce the dita 8x8..Or maybe their govt are not really confident with that platform..just my guess..1.4 bill for 52 thats about 30-31 mil per piece..noway we can afford them..
Our menhan Hishamudin Hussein is best buddies with China.
Their PCL-181 are quite nice, and at RM9 million per piece is much more affordable than the Caesar 8x8. Surely H2O could get these for our army right?
It helps that only the weapons platform & ancillary comes from France as the trucks are most likely built on Tatra which is Czech. Helps in their defence industry.
@Firdaus
The true cost is likely closer to Denmark's order which goes for RM12.5mil a piece plus ancillary.
Off topic, interesting to note that purportedly Argentina has budgeted USD $664mil for 12 JF-17 or USD $55mil a pop plus ancillaries. Quite the pricey plane for something that is non-Western & non-Russian.
The PCL-81 may be "nice" and "cheap" but what is the barrel life, is it digitised to the same level, does it have the same level of growth potential, can we use a Western FCS and FDCs with Western gear with it, etc?
Is the 8x8 an option for Malaysia or is it 6x6 only?
I have asked around its likely to be ok to bid with an 8X8, whether or not it will win, is another issue
Tom Tom,
If one desires a certain level of mobilty and the operational flexibility that comes with it : 8x8. A 4x4 will be slightly cheaper and will be easier [having a smaller footorint] to be air transportable but these plus points are marginal.
The important thing is the gun being able to do its job of being where it's needed [in various tyoes of terrain and weather conditions which affects terrain and road cobditions] to provide indirect fire support of maneuver fornations.
Are they no any news regarding the LCS frigate?
Impressive new layout....testing if the comments section has improved.
The 6x6 weight is ~18tons
The 8x8 weight is ~29tons
The M109 weight is 28tons
If the weight and subsequent limited ability to cross various terrain & bridges was key to TDM rejecting the M109, the same can be said for 8x8 version of Caesar. of course, Nexter asserts that the 8x8 weapons platform has longer model life due to its greater expansion potential than the 6x6.
It wasn't the weight issues that led to the cancellation of the M109 SPH deal, it was I believed was to ensure that a tender for SPH could be held. Officially it was cancelled as the M109 was deemed to be too old.