The community of CAESAR howitzer users has expanded with recent orders and Letters of Intent (LOI), especially across Europe. The second edition took place on November 27-28in Belgium, which is set to receive its first CAESAR units in 2027.
The Club welcomed two new members, Estonia and Ukraine, joining eight other user nations. Ukraine’s feedback provided key insights into the effectiveness of CAESAR in high-intensity conflict scenarios. Armenia is expected to join soon, along with Portugal, Slovenia, and Croatia, who have signed LOIs.
The system’s compatibility with a wide range of ammunition is a significant battlefield advantage, both logistically and operationally. Its survivability, surpassing that of competing systems, is also emphasized: its high mobility, rapid deployment, and exit capabilities provide strong resilience against loitering munitions and counter-battery fire.
Operational feedback (RETEX) and discussions on system evolution were the focus of the first edition of the CAESAR Club in November 2023 at Canjuers and the Draguignan Military Schools. Implemented by a triumvirat including the French procurement Agency (DGA), the French Army, and KNDS, the Club aims to create a forum for users to share operational insights and anticipate future system developments.
While CAESAR’s architecture already suits high-intensity combat, it is designed to evolve. Enhancements include improvements in loading, firing capability, ammunition (KATANA, LU220), communication systems, and counter-drone measures. These advancements ensure CAESAR remains adaptable to emerging operational needs. Furthermore, the insights gathered contribute to the evolution of NATO’s artillery doctrine, with CAESAR establishing itself as the reference system.
KNDS is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
KNDS forms a Group of around 9,500 employees, with a 2023 turnover of 3.3 billion euro, an order backlog of around 16 billion euro and incoming orders of 7.8 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.
