Lithuania secures €252 million deal with France for Caesar Mk II howitzers

The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence has signed a contract valued at approximately €252 million with French defence industry leader KNDS France for the acquisition of Caesar Mk II wheeled self-propelled howitzers, according to Lithuanian media reports.

This marks Lithuania’s second purchase of these systems and represents the country’s largest defence procurement from France to date.

Defence Minister Robertas Kauņas emphasised the strategic significance of the deal, saying: “The selection of the Caesar Mk II is an important step in strengthening Lithuania’s defence and a clear signal of expanding cooperation with France. These modern systems will provide the Lithuanian Army with greater mobility and firepower, while a closer partnership with the French defence sector will reinforce our ties with a key ally.”

The agreement includes not only the delivery of artillery systems but also a comprehensive package of logistics and integration solutions, including training programs, simulators, and spare parts, ensuring full operational readiness for the Lithuanian armed forces.

In addition, an industrial cooperation agreement was signed as part of the deal, under which KNDS France will invest €12 million in the construction and equipping of repair workshops in Lithuania, further strengthening bilateral defence collaboration.

The Caesar Mk II is a 155-mm self-propelled artillery system capable of firing six rounds up to 40 kilometres in less than a minute. In service in France since 2008, the system has proven its battlefield effectiveness in Ukraine, highlighting its operational reliability.

The agreement with Lithuania follows a similar contract signed by France and Croatia on December 9, in which Croatia ordered 18 Caesar self-propelled artillery systems, reflecting growing European interest in the platform.

By Tamilla Hasanova