Estonia’s armaments procurement agency has signed a contract with France and KNDS to acquire 12 more CAESAR self-propelled howitzer platforms.
The deal builds on a previous agreement finalized in mid-2024 for 12 Caesar units, the first of which were delivered in early 2025. Deliveries of the newly ordered systems are scheduled for completion later this year.
Strengthening Artillery Structure
The additional 155mm howitzers will be assigned to the newly established 3rd self-propelled artillery battalion, which falls directly under the Estonian Division’s command structure.
Estonia’s current artillery inventory consists of 24 mobile systems — all K9 Thunder tracked howitzers sourced from South Korea. Unlike the tracked K9, the Caesar operates on a wheeled chassis, offering superior strategic mobility and faster redeployment across road networks.
Although financial details of the contract remain undisclosed, authorities have emphasized rapid fielding as a central priority.
Operational Performance
The Caesar Mk1 is a highly mobile indirect fire system capable of engaging targets at distances exceeding 40 kilometers. It can sustain a firing rate of up to six rounds per minute and achieve combat readiness within one minute of halting.
Designed for compatibility with NATO-standard 155mm munitions, the system combines advanced digital fire-control systems with streamlined operational procedures, allowing artillery crews to be trained and deployed within a relatively short timeframe.
