CAESAR self-propelled howitzer

CAESAR
French artillerymen firing into the Middle Euphrates River Valley (Syria) from within Iraq (December 2018)
Type	Self-propelled howitzer
Place of origin	France
Service history
In service	2008–present
Wars	War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Cambodian–Thai border stand-off Operation Serval Operation Chammal Battle of Mosul (2016–17) Battle of Baghuz 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Production history
Designed	1992–1999
Manufacturer	GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems)
Produced	2004–present
Specifications
Mass	17.7 tonnes (6×6) 28.7-30.2 tonnes (8×8)[1]
Length	10 m (32 ft 10 in) 12.3 m (40 ft 4 in) (8x8)[1]
Width	2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) (8x8)[1]
Height	3.7 m (12 ft 2 in) 3.1 m (10 ft 2 in) (8x8)[1]
Crew	5-6 (3, emergency)
Main armament	155 mm/52-calibre
Secondary armament	None
Engine	Diesel
Suspension	6x6 wheel
Operational range	600 km (370 mi)
Maximum speed	On-road: 100 km/h (62 mph) Off-road: 50 km/h (31 mph)

The Camion Équipé d'un Système d'Artillerie (English: "Truck equipped with an artillery system") or CAESAR^[2] is a French 155 mm, 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer that can fire 39/52 caliber NATO-standard shells. It is installed on a 6x6 or 8x8 truck chassis. Equipped with an autonomous weapon network incorporating an inertial navigation system and ballistic computer, the CAESAR can accurately strike targets more than 40 kilometres (25 mi) away using "Extended Range, Full Bore" (ERFB) ammunition with base bleed,^[3] or targets over 55 kilometres (34 mi) away using rocket-assisted or smart ammunition.

The CAESAR was developed by French defense contractor GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems) and has been exported to various countries. Units manufactured for the French Army use a 6x6 Renault Sherpa 5 chassis,^[4] while some export customers have opted for systems integrated on 6x6 Unimog U2450L or 8x8 Tatra 817 chassis.

In February 2022, the French government awarded Nexter a contract for the development of a new generation CAESAR system. Marketed by the company as the CAESAR Mark II (also commonly referred to as CAESAR NG in France), 109 systems are to be delivered to the French Army between 2026 and 2030.