President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that every CAESAR wheeled self propelled howitzer built in France during 2025 will be sent directly to support Ukraine’s Defence Forces in a major announcement on French television channel TF1Info. This marks one of the most substantial arms commitments to Ukraine from a European country since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
President Macron, standing firm on his country’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, stated that a strong Ukrainian military is essential for the nation’s long term security. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to backing Ukraine through intensified weapons support from its own defence industry.
To meet this pledge, France will increase its production capacity of the CAESAR howitzers from the current eight units per month to twelve. Before the Kremlin’s full invasion of Ukraine, France had only been producing two units per month. This new rate means that one chassis, manufactured by Arquus, must now be built every four days to keep up.
The CAESAR has now become the dominant artillery system across Europe. Its precision and mobility have made it a favourite among NATO members and allies. France itself has ordered 109 of the upgraded CAESAR NG version. Belgium has purchased 28 units in the six by six version, Lithuania has ordered 18, Estonia has taken delivery of 12 Mk I systems, and Portugal is acquiring 36 units to modernise its artillery forces.
The Czech Republic has taken a significant step with an order of 62 CAESAR systems in the eight by eight version using a Czech Tatra chassis. Armenia has agreed to purchase 36 units in the Mk I model.
So far, Ukraine has received 37 CAESAR howitzers from France and Denmark. Under a growing international effort, it is expecting an additional 78. Furthermore, France’s defence consortium KNDS, which produces the CAESAR, is currently sending 90 percent of its artillery barrels to Ukraine. KNDS has also ramped up shell production at its factory in La Chapelle Saint Ursin, aiming to reach 100,000 155mm shells by the end of the year.
Other European nations including Bulgaria, Luxembourg, and Slovenia are also moving to acquire CAESAR howitzers to upgrade their military capabilities.
This increase in arms supply comes amid continued Russian aggression led by the Russian dictator, who remains isolated diplomatically but dangerous on the battlefield. Western allies have signalled that prolonged support for Ukraine’s defence effort is essential not only for the country’s survival but also for the security of Europe as a whole.
