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Czech Army’s New CAESAR Howitzers to Incorporate Lessons from Ukrainian Battlefield Experience

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Amira Barkhush
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Czech Army’s New CAESAR Howitzers to Incorporate Lessons from Ukrainian Battlefield Experience
Ukrainian soldiers of the 55th Artillery Brigade leave their position with a CAESAR self-propelled howitzer after firing on Russian troops on June 1, 2024, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

The new batch of CAESAR self-propelled howitzers the Czech Army is set to receive next year will be modified to take into account lessons learned from Ukraine, the Czech Ministry of Defense stated on May 12.

The Ministry confirmed that 62 French-made CAESAR howitzers, manufactured by the French defense company KNDS, will replace the aging DANA artillery systems, which are expected to remain in service until 2027.

“Two prototypes of the CAESAR cannon, which are part of a 62-unit order, are now undergoing control tests. Testing is taking place at the French manufacturer with the help of independent national authorities,” the press release read.

The Ministry added that these howitzers will be a unique product whose appearance and capabilities reflect the latest experience from the Ukrainian battlefield.

“I would like the public to trust the army in this. Ukraine is a unique testing laboratory for us, which we have never had before. We are building technology for the next four decades. We want the system to be sustainable and functional for as long as possible,” Colonel General Marcel Křenek said.

“If we did not use the experience of Ukrainian artillerymen and apply it to new technology, we would spend 10.3 billion in vain.”

On May 13, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that all CAESAR wheeled self-propelled howitzers produced in 2025 will be delivered to support Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

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