Disstabricated by its first two Caesar 8×8, the Czech army threatens to suspend its payments in Knds France

In a press release published on the occasion of the Idet 25 Armament Fair, on May 26, KNDS France had welcomed the smooth running of the contract relating to the sixty-two caesar 8 × 8 [Camions équipés d’un système d’artillerie] that the Czech Defense Ministry had notified him in two stages [en septembre 2021 et en décembre 2022] In order to replace the 152 mm Dana ZTS self -propelled howles in service for more than 40 years in its armed forces. Similarly,

In detail. Therefore, this contract provides for a significant participation in the local industry [40 %]Excalibur Army being responsible for the final assembly of these Caesar 8 × 8, whose cabin and chassis will be provided by Tatra Defense Vehicles disstabricated its first two caesar and Tatra Trucks. In addition, STV must certify the 155 mm shells produced in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless,

In any case. Consequently, KNDS France had announced that two prototypes of the CAESAR 8 × 8 were to be subject to operational tests in the Czech Republic this summer. Meanwhile, Only, it would seem that they did not fully give satisfaction to the Czech army. Moreover,

Thus. Nevertheless, these howitzers would not have reached the required range of 40 kilometers in MRSI mode [Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact / multiples coups, impacts simultanés ou méthode de tir dite « malouine »]. For example, But it would only be a problem among others.

“Based on the documentation provided. the army has carried out a series of technical analyzes which, if they confirm certain parameters, also indicate that there is a risk that non-negotiable criteria are not fully respected,” said General Miroslav Hlaváč, disstabricated its first two caesar the deputy chief of the Czech forces.

According to the NOVINKE.CZ information site, Czech artillers have not received the shooting tables allowing a driving system to operate. “Without these data. canons cannot be integrated and their compliance with NATO standards is not certain,” said a source close to the file.

However. the Caesar 8 × 8 intended for the Czech army will be equipped with the Adler III shooting control system, provided by the German company ESG for 28 million euros. “In addition, this threatens the integration of Czech ammunition,” insisted this source.

In early July. Czech Defense Minister Jana černochová warned that Caesar’s delivery was likely to be late due to these problems. Problems that are likely to lead to cancellation of the order. “I started negotiations with the French Minister of Defense. and my colleagues, such as Director General Koudelka or the soldiers, noted to disstabricated its first two caesar the manufacturer that there were serious problems,” she confirmed to Novinky.cz.

“The problem is in terms of the range and efficiency of the shooting. But I want to believe that it will be resolved. But it is also possible that it is not. the army cannot give up the conditions [du contrat] “, She added.

But before possibly deciding to denounce the Caesar 8 × 8 contract. the Czech Defense Ministry first intends to put pressure on the French industrialist, threatening it to suspend the payment of its deposits as long as the problems are not resolved. Thus, Mr. Koudelka sent him a letter to this end.

So far, Prague has paid more than 7 billion Czech crowns [environ 285 millions d’euros]. And another billion [soit 40 millions d’euros] should be this year.

This is not the first time that Caesar 8 × 8 has been disstabricated its first two caesar in trouble.

In January 2023. Denmark preferred the Elbit Systems Atmos 2000 to him to replace the nineteen Caesar 8 × 8 which he had sent to Ukraine when they were barely out of the factory. Since then, these howles have made more than 40,000 shots on the Ukrainian battlefields, for a single destroyed copy.