France orders 109 CAESAR Mk II SPHs

The DGA has awarded Nexter a contract for 109 CAESAR 6×6 Mk II SPHs, with deliveries beginning in 2026. (Nexter)

The Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, has awarded Nexter a contract for 109 CAESAR 6×6 Mk II new generation self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), KNDS (KMW+Nexter Defense Systems) announced in a press release on 2 February. Later the same day, a KNDS spokesperson confirmed to Janes that all 109 CAESARs would be newbuilds, with deliveries beginning in 2026.

Development of the CAESAR Mk II has been under way since it was launched in December 2021. It will replace the French Army's AuF1 tracked SPHs and CAESAR Mk Is. The order is foreseen by France's Loi de Programmation Militaire 2024–2030 military funding programme.

It includes support of the CAESAR Mk II during its first two years in service. The DGA and Nexter have also signed a framework agreement allowing France to acquire CAESAR and support services for partner countries.

Nexter plans to deliver all 109 CAESAR 6×6 Mark IIs to the French Army's artillery regiments by 2031.