CAESAR 8x8 155 mm Self-Propelled Gun-Howitzer (France)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-19

The CAESAR 8x8 self-propelled howitzer was developed by Nexter. Sometimes this artillery system is referred as CAESAR 2. The acronym CAESAR stands for CAmion Equipe d'un Systeme d'ARtillerie, or truck equipped with an artillery system. It is based on the original CAESAR, which first appeared back in 1994 and was the first mass produced truck-mounted howitzer. Prototype of the CAESAR with 8x8 configuration was revealed in 2015. The new artillery system, which emerged more than 20 years after its predecessor, is based on an 8x8 chassis. Gun of the new artillery system remains without significant changes, however weapon control systems have been updated. So the CAESAR 8x8 can shoot faster and is more accurate than its predecessor. In 2017 Denmark selected this artillery system to replace their old M109 howitzers that are in service since 1965. Initial order was for 15 units, though later it was increased to 19 units. Deliveries to Denmark commenced in 2019. However in 2022 France was Negotiating with Denmark taking over 6 to 12 of these artillery systems and delivering them to Ukraine in order to defend against the Russian invasion. In 2021 Czech Republic ordered 52 of these mobile howitzers. Deliveries to Czech Republic were planned to begin in 2024 and should be completed in 2026. Most of the Czech artillery systems (48 units out of 52) will be locally assembled in Czech Republic. Once in service it will replace the older DANA artillery systems.

   This new artillery system can support rapid deployment forces.

   This truck-mounted artillery system is fitted with a 155 mm/L52 howitzer, which is capable of direct and indirect firing. The CAESAR 8x8 has a brand new fully automated ammunition loading system. It is operated by a crew of 2-3 men. Maximum rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute. Though the CAESAR 8x8 is also proposed with a semi-automatic loading system, which requires a crew of 4-5 men.

   The CAESAR 8x8 fires all standard NATO 155 mm ammunition, including ordinary and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG rounds, cargo rounds with anti-tank or fragmentation bomblets, smoke and illumination rounds. It is also capable of firing BONUS or SPACIDO precision-guided anti-tank munitions. The BONUS shell carries two smart anti-tank submunitions to a range of 34 km. Maximum range of fire is 42 km with rocket-assisted HE-FRAG projectile and a whooping 55 km with a VLAP projectile. Range of direct fire is up to 2 km.

   The CAESAR 8x8 is capable of Multiple-Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) firing. It can launch a couple of projectiles, each in different trajectories, so that all of the shells arrive on target at the same time. A single artillery system can land on target with no warning multiple shells. Such way of firing can be very effective. Furthermore the CAESAR 8x8 has a brief in and out of action times and can be used on shoot-and-scoot missions in order to avoid counter battery fire. It takes only 60 seconds to prepare this artillery system for firing or leave the firing position. Within 2 minutes the CAESAR 8x8 can fire 6 rounds and leave its position.

   The new truck-mounted howitzer is based on a Tatra T815-7 8x8 chassis. It has higher payload rating and cross-country mobility than the original CAESAR, based on 6x6 chassis. The 8x8 version can carry almost twice more ammunition (30 rounds opposed to 18). Some sources report that the new CAESAR carries 36 rounds.

   The CAESAR 8x8 is available with 2- or 4-door armored cab. It provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Weight of this artillery system ranges from 28.4 to 30.2 t, depending on its armor configuration. Maximum level of ballistic protection is against 7.62x51 mm armor-piercing rounds. Maximum level of mine protection is against landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with explosive power equivalent to 6 kg of TNT. A 12.7 mm machine gun can be mounted on top of the roof for self-protection. Anti-IED device is proposed as an option.

   This machine is powered by a Tatra V8 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 410 hp. Vehicle has all-wheel drive chassis and employs unique Tatra's independent suspension with backbone tube frame and swinging half-axles. Each wheel moves up and down independently, which allows exceptional cross country mobility and higher speeds on rough roads. This unique chassis has been constantly developed and improved by Tatra for more than 80 years. Vehicle is also fitted with a central tyre inflation system.

   This artillery system can be airlifted by an Airbus A400M, Boeing C17 Globemaster III, or Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft.

   A typical battery should consists of around 8 CAESAR 8x8 truck mounted howitzers. Each of them will be escorted by an associated ammunition resupply vehicle.