On July 13th, Nexter was notified by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces through the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) of the order for new CAESAR® artillery systems. The systems will be delivered to the French Army by summer 2024 at the latest.

Nexter, together with the DGA, have demonstrated great responsiveness in setting up the production launch of 18 CAESAR® systems within a few weeks. This accelerated procedure is in line with a wartime economy.

In order to allow a rapid availability while awaiting the entry into service of the CAESAR® MkII, which will progressively equip the army's artillery regiments from 2026 onwards, the Ministry of the Armed Forces has chosen the CAESAR® MkI.

The CAESAR® MkI is the first version of this 155mm artillery system mounted on a truck chassis. Being the lightest in its class (18t), it has a very low logistical weight and demonstrates unmatched tactical, operational and strategic mobility.

The CAESAR® is distinguished by a very high level of performance:

• The CAESAR® is characterized by a fast battery start-up (less than one minute), a rate of fire of 6 rounds/minute and a very fast resupply (18 rounds/minute).
• Its 155mm/52 caliber gun is the only one in the world to be “long range proven” in conditions close to high intensity combat. The selection of the CAESAR® by several partner countries, notably in Europe with Denmark, the Czech Republic, Belgium and Lithuania, shows the trust placed by our customers in this cutting-edge equipment, which is demonstrating its unequalled capabilities in the battlefield.

Nexter, the leading French land defense company and one of the main European players in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. The scope of its business includes as well the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. The group continues to apply its international development policy with several order intakes in 2021 intended for the export market.

In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the upgrade of the Leclerc tank and the development and production of the VBMR GRIFFON and EBRC JAGUAR vehicles within the temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Arquus, as well as the Lightweight VBMR SERVAL (with Texelis).

The group’s range of products also includes TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunitions (BONUS®, KATANA®), robots and many equipment.

Nexter’s 2021 turnover amounted to €1.3 billion, including 30% devoted to customer services, form training to fleet management to support and revaluation.