France’s CAESAR howitzers: Vital support for Ukraine amid battlefield strain VIDEO

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, the role of advanced artillery systems like the CAESAR self-propelled howitzers has become crucial. France has been a key supplier, providing these highly efficient weapons to Ukraine. 

Ukraine is compelled to place frequent orders for spare parts and maintenance for the Caesar self-propelled howitzers, according to Bulgarian media outlets. 

The issue lies not with the availability of the parts, but with the immense stress these systems are under. This was disclosed during a hearing in the French parliament, which explained the ongoing need for new supplies to keep these weapon systems operational for the Ukrainian military.

“The intensive use of these howitzers by the Ukrainian Armed Forces requires not only effective maintenance but also regular orders for tools, parts, and services from Nexter [or KNDS France],” said a representative of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in a response, cited by Opex360. Ukrainian forces are constantly loading these systems, pushing them to the edge of wear.

While France showcases excellent efficiency during exercises and training, the battlefield reality is starkly different. Ukraine isn't simply using its weapons intensively—it is overloading them to their limits, causing significant problems.

Poor-quality ammunition and barrels under extreme strain are the primary factors behind numerous shooting incidents. Although Ukraine raised these issues as early as last year, they are now more pressing than ever.

Unlike Ukraine, France does not subject its Caesar weaponry to such stress. However, the French emphasize an important point—the security of the system, which is not exposed to the same pressure as it is on the frontlines.

During the hearing on February 12, Alexandre Dupuy, the director of systems activities at KNDS France, brought attention to something often overlooked but crucial: trust in the weapon’s safety.

“I recently spoke with a soldier who participated in many campaigns and exercises. He shared that what surprised him the most was how many armies do not trust their equipment when it comes to safety. But with Caesar, this problem does not exist,” Dupuy told the parliamentarians. According to him, the Caesar system is so well-designed that there are no shooting incidents, no injuries or fatalities.

The French expert explained that this is due to “the perfect synergy between the weapon and the ammunition,” which ensures maximum safety and efficiency even after hundreds of shots. “We have complete control over the behavior of the ammunition in the tube, even after thousands of shots. We know what the wear criteria are that we need to monitor,” he added.

This difference in how the system operates highlights how the intensive use and overload of the weapon by Ukrainian forces, while putting Caesar under significant pressure, also creates major challenges for maintenance and safety.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, France has been a key contributor to Ukraine’s military arsenal, particularly through the supply of CAESAR self-propelled howitzers.

The delivery of these advanced artillery systems began in May 2022, when the first batch of 6 CAESAR howitzers was sent directly from the French Army’s stockpile to Ukraine. They were swiftly integrated into Ukraine’s defense strategy, proving their effectiveness on the battlefield, with Ukrainian gunners mastering the system in just days.

By June 2022, France announced the delivery of another 6 CAESARs, bringing the total to 12. This was part of France’s broader commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The intensification of arms supplies was a topic discussed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, and was reflected in regular announcements of military aid.

By Naila Huseynova