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On May 29, 2024, the French Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu, announced that Luxembourg would contribute €5 million to the artillery coalition to fund the purchase of a CAESAR 6×6 155 self-propelled howitzer for Ukraine. As of the latest reports, Ukraine has received or been pledged a total of 147 CAESAR howitzers from France and Denmark.
The CAESAR 6×6 howitzers are noted by Ukrainian forces for their mobility, precision, and range of up to 40 kilometers, particularly in counter-battery fire situations. (Picture source: Facebook/55oabr)
France has committed to delivering 78 CAESAR 155mm howitzers throughout 2024, including a recent pledge to produce these howitzers specifically for Ukraine, with the first batch of six expected soon. Previously, France had donated 36 CAESAR howitzers to Ukraine. Denmark has contributed 19 CAESAR 8×8 howitzers, including some that were still on order at the time of the pledge.
The CAESAR howitzers are noted by Ukrainian forces for their mobility, precision, and range of up to 40 kilometers, particularly in counter-battery fire situations. Their ability to quickly deploy and retreat is seen as enhancing their survivability and operational effectiveness, despite some challenges with maintenance and mobility in muddy conditions. Ukrainian artillery units have reported that the CAESAR system has significantly impacted Russian forces, leading to a focus on its destruction by Russian units.
The CAESAR howitzers’ “shoot-and-scoot” capability allows them to fire quickly and relocate rapidly, minimizing exposure to counter-battery fire. This mobility has contributed to a lower loss rate, with less than 10% of the CAESARs lost in combat. Ukrainian forces have used these howitzers in various operations, including the targeting of Russian artillery and command vehicles. The inclusion of CAESAR howitzers in Ukraine’s artillery units has provided additional firepower and operational flexibility, allowing for precise strikes against Russian positions.
Luxembourg has been actively supporting Ukraine with military aid since the onset of the Russian invasion. For 2024, Luxembourg has allocated €69.5 million for military aid to Ukraine, following nearly €90 million in 2023, which represented 17% of its defense budget. Luxembourg has supplied a variety of military equipment, including 6,000 155mm shells, 4,000 submachine guns, 500,000 units of 12.7mm ammunition, 102 NLAW anti-tank weapons, 28 HMMWV vehicles with 20 12.7mm machine guns, and 15 large tents. Additional supplies have included body armor, helmets, gas masks, communication terminals, night vision equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, and 3D scanners for documenting war crimes.
Luxembourg is part of several coalitions supporting Ukraine, including the IT Coalition, the Air Force Capability Coalition, and the Artillery Coalition, which focuses on providing 155mm cannons and shells, along with training for Ukrainian forces. Luxembourg also participates in the EU EUMAM Ukraine training mission, aiming to train 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers. In addition to military aid, Luxembourg has provided humanitarian support, including emergency vehicles and financial aid to NGOs and UN agencies working in Ukraine.
The CAESAR 6×6 is a French self-propelled howitzer developed by Nexter Systems (formerly GIAT Industries). Introduced in 1994 and officially entering service with the French Army in 2008, the CAESAR system provides mobile artillery support with rapid deployment capabilities. The 6×6 variant, mounted on a truck, can be transported by various means, including aircraft, ships, and trains, enhancing its strategic flexibility. The CAESAR has been used in various international conflicts and peacekeeping missions, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness in different environments.
The CAESAR 6×6 is equipped with a 155mm/52-caliber gun capable of firing a wide range of NATO-standard artillery munitions, with a maximum range of up to 40 kilometers using extended-range munitions. It can fire six rounds per minute, and its advanced fire control system allows for rapid targeting and accuracy. The “shoot-and-scoot” capability enables the CAESAR to quickly relocate after firing to avoid counter-battery fire. Its high-speed wheeled chassis allows it to travel at speeds up to 100 km/h on roads while maintaining off-road capabilities. Weighing around 18 metric tons and capable of being deployed in less than a minute, the CAESAR is a versatile asset on the modern battlefield.