Estonia receives first batch of French CAESAR self-propelled Howitzers

The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) have officially received the first batch of French-made CAESAR self-propelled artillery systems, marking a significant enhancement in the country's military capabilities.

The six artillery units, delivered via sea transport, are part of a joint procurement agreement with the French government, Caliber.Az reports via Estonian media.

The deal, signed in the summer of 2024, involved the Estonian Center for Defence Investments (RKIK), the French defence procurement agency DGA, and European defence conglomerate KNDS. The second batch of six CAESAR howitzers, already purchased, is expected to arrive in Estonia by the end of this summer.

These artillery systems will be integrated into the EDF’s 3rd self-propelled artillery battalion, under the direct command of the Estonian Division. Ramil Lipp, head of the armaments category at RKIK, stated that training and user-level instruction for the CAESARs have been completed. "We will continue with additional training, and we also need to train maintenance personnel," Lipp added.

The howitzers will be operated by both EDF conscripts and reservists. Training for conscripts is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, while reservist training is set for the summer.

Introduced in 2008, the CAESAR is a French-built 155mm self-propelled howitzer capable of targeting enemies over 55 kilometers away, utilizing smart ammunition. This acquisition significantly boosts Estonia's artillery capabilities and provides the flexibility for further purchases of CAESAR units in the future.

By Vafa Guliyeva