How Ukraine’s Military Uses French CAESAR Howitzers to Counter Russian Assaults

Since their introduction to the battlefield, the French CAESAR self-propelled howitzers (SPH) have become a key asset in Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces. The first batch of these advanced artillery systems arrived in Ukraine through Denmark, which supplied all 19 units it had in its arsenal.

Over the past two years, CAESAR has proven itself as an essential tool for Ukrainian forces, contributing significantly to the defense efforts in the Zaporizhzhia region and the eastern front.

Training and initial deployment

Before the arrival of the CAESAR units, “Khrom” served in the 95th Airborne Brigade, operating the Soviet-made 2S1 Gvozdika . His first experience in combat took place in the eastern areas of Ukraine, including the Svatove-Kreminna region, where his unit encountered intense artillery fire and increasing use of drones by Russian forces. After sustaining a concussion from an artillery shell during the battle of Seredbryansky Forest in Kharkiv, Khrom was offered the opportunity to undergo training on the CAESAR system.

In Denmark, Ukrainian artillerymen were trained intensively over a two-week period to familiarize themselves with the system, an accelerated course designed to prepare them for the arrival of the first CAESAR units in Ukraine. Despite the short duration of the training, Khrom and his comrades quickly adapted, returning to Ukraine with the skills necessary to operate these advanced howitzers.

CAESAR’s key advantages: mobility and firepower

The CAESAR SPH, with its modern French-made guidance systems, armored cab, and robust protection against mines and shrapnel, is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility. This makes it ideal for the dynamic nature of modern warfare, where speed and adaptability are crucial. Khrom notes that one of the system’s most significant advantages is its ability to rapidly relocate after firing, maintaining surprise and evading counterattacks.

He explained that the CAESAR units can travel up to 100 km, fire their entire load of shells, and then relocate, minimizing the risk of being targeted. However, while the system is highly mobile, adverse weather conditions, such as mud, can affect its movement, particularly in the more challenging terrain of Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions.

The French howitzers are equipped to fire a variety of ammunition, including precision-guided shells such as Excalibur  and Vulcano , capable of striking targets with pinpoint accuracy. These shells provide Ukraine with a powerful tool to target Russian command centers, artillery positions, and armored vehicles well behind the front lines, often at ranges of 18 to 34 kilometers.

Combat experience and adaptation to modern warfare

Since their first deployment in the summer of 2023, the CAESAR units have played a crucial role in multiple operations, particularly in the Zaporizhzhia region, where they have been used extensively to target enemy fortifications and troop concentrations. Khrom highlighted that coordination with aerial reconnaissance units has greatly improved the effectiveness of these strikes, as drones help pinpoint targets and confirm hits.

Ukrainian Forces destroy Russian Uragan multiple rocket launcher using CAESAR

Despite the system’s effectiveness, Khrom and his team continue to adapt their tactics in response to evolving threats, especially the increasing prevalence of Russian drones and electronic warfare systems. He pointed out that the original French design did not account for the scale of drone usage and electronic warfare in the current war, but the Ukrainian military has rapidly adapted, learning to integrate CAESAR into the modern battlefield.

Sustaining and maintaining the CAESAR

One of the significant challenges for the Ukrainian forces is the maintenance and repair of the CAESAR systems. Khrom’s unit has managed most repairs in-house, relying on skilled mechanics with experience in a variety of equipment. For example, one mechanic, Alexander, who had previously repaired agricultural machinery, has become adept at identifying and fixing issues with the CAESAR.

Khrom noted that the Ukrainian forces have a wealth of combat experience with these systems, which continues to grow as they refine their tactics and improve the effectiveness of the howitzers in various scenarios.

Watch more about CAESAR in combat operations in Ukraine