The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven a significant modernization of fire support systems within the armed forces of European countries. One of the most notable cases is that of the Estonian Defence Forces, which have completed the reception of the first 6×6 CAESAR MK1 self-propelled howitzers purchased from France.
Currently, the Estonian Defence Forces are pursuing two major programs to incorporate new long-range artillery fire support platforms. The first involves the acquisition of new High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the United States, while the second focuses on the procurement of twelve new 6×6 CAESAR MK1 self-propelled howitzers from France.
According to the latest reports, both programs have entered the reception phase. A few days ago, Lockheed Martin delivered the first HIMARS units, and today, the first batch of new 6×6 CAESAR howitzers provided by KNDS arrived in Estonia.
This latest acquisition was finalized in June 2024 during the Eurosatory International Defence and Security Exhibition held in Paris. The contract was signed by the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) for the purchase of twelve (12) new CAESAR self-propelled howitzers supplied by KNDS.
Today, the first CAESAR units arrived in Estonia via maritime transport. Although specific details were not disclosed, various reports indicate that the shipment includes the first six units of the artillery combat vehicle.
“It is satisfying to see that the first CAESAR self-propelled artillery pieces have been delivered to the Defence Forces. We signed the contract in June last year, and it took only half a year for the first CAESAR systems to arrive in Estonia,” said Ramil Lipp, Head of the Armament Category at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK).
He added: “Both conscripted soldiers and reservists will use these systems: conscripts will begin their training in the coming weeks, and a training exercise for reservists will be held in the summer.”
You might also be interested in: France prepares to complete the delivery of 12 Rafale F3R fighters transferred to the Croatian Air Force
