On the occasion of dynamic demonstrations with live ammunition, the Nexter Group has demonstrated to more than 80 people from 18 countries its know-how and performance in ground-to-ground artillery for calibers 105 and 155mm.
Acquired by the French, Danish, Indonesian and Thai armies, as well as from a Middle Eastern country, and currently present in several theaters of operations, notably in Iraq within the Wagram Task Force, the 155mm self-propelled artillery system CAESAR® has been presented on 6x6 and 8x8 chassis. The CAESAR® appears today as the best compromise between the simplicity of a towed artillery and the mobility of a self-propelled system. Its firepower, reliability and low cost of maintenance place it as a particularly powerful product, whatever the environment in which it evolves.
These demonstrations included the opportunity to present for the first time the latest version of CAESAR® 8x8 chassis automatic shell loading system. This device ensures constant and sustained firing rates, whatever the environmental conditions. A CAESAR® battery pack on a “full automatic” 8x8 chassis by a crew created for the event allowed to highlight the simplicity of use of this weapon system, and to confirm its survival capabilities against counter-battery shots: the time between the arrival at the shooting point and the start, after delivering a six-round salvo, amounted to less than three minutes.
The presentation of the 105 LG1, a 105mm towed artillery system, completed this demonstration. Deployable by light vehicle, helicopter, or even parachute, the 105 LG1 is the world's lightest 105mm assault artillery piece, providing fire support to rapid reaction forces. The 105 LG1 is in service with the Singapore, Thai, Indonesian, Belgian, Canadian and Colombian forces.
The result of these days has confirmed the Nexter Group’s international positioning as an innovative system operator integrator, mastering the entire field of artillery: from the CAESAR® range to intelligent ammunition, precision aids to driving shot control systems FINDART.
Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. It is dedicated to meet the needs of the French land forces and of Nations on an international scale.
The scope of its business includes the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security.
The group continues to apply its international development policy with 60% of the order intake in 2016 intended for the export market. In France, Nexter is fully committed to meeting the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the renovation of the Leclerc tank and the development of the future VBMR and EBRC vehicles within the GME (temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Renault Trucks Defense).
Nexter’s 2016 turnover amounted to €866 million, of which 19% is allocated to Research and Development activities.
The group’s range of products includes ARAVIS®, TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR®, TRAJAN® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), as well as customer service and support.
