Estonia to acquire 12 more French CAESAR howitzers

Estonia is set to expand its artillery capabilities with the purchase of an additional 12 CAESAR self-propelled howitzers from France, bringing its total to 24 systems by the end of 2026.

The announcement came following a meeting between Estonian and French defence ministers in Brussels on February 12, where both sides confirmed their intention to renew the strategic defence cooperation agreement between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports via Estonian media. 

The ministers also praised the collaboration between their respective defence investment agencies.

Speaking after the meeting, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said: "I am pleased that the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment, the French defence procurement agency DGA and the French company KNDS have signed a contract under which Estonia will procure an additional 12 CAESAR wheeled self-propelled howitzers. Under the agreement, the additional artillery systems will arrive in Estonia later this year."

France is considered a highly important defence partner for Estonia. Pevkur added that "strengthening defence cooperation with Paris is extremely important."

The first 12 CAESAR MK1 155-millimetre self-propelled howitzers arrived in Estonia in January 2025 and were assigned to the newly established 3rd Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion under the direct command of the Estonian Division.

The CAESAR (Camion Équipé d'un Système d'Artillerie) MK1 is a wheeled, 155-millimetre indirect fire weapon system capable of redeploying rapidly over long distances and striking targets beyond 40 kilometres. Its NATO-standard calibre allows the use of various ammunition types, and its automated systems enable crews to be trained within weeks.

The platform’s widespread international use ensures long-term logistical support and spare part availability.

Lt. Col. Meelis Laanemets, senior staff officer and artillery inspector at the Estonian Defence Forces Headquarters, said: "The additional CAESAR self-propelled howitzers will significantly increase the firepower and response speed of the Estonian division, enabling effective indirect fire support for units across the entire country. The greater mobility of wheeled platforms compared with tracked systems ensures faster redeployment and significantly enhances the division's flexibility and combat capability in indirect fire operations."

By Aghakazim Guliyev