Artillery: Estonia plans to order more Caesar 6×6 with France

In January, the Estonian army received the first six trucks equipped with an artillery system [CAESAr] 6 × 6 out of the twelve which she had ordered through the Directorate General of Armament [DGA] With KNDS France, as part of an “cooperation arrangement” made possible by the European initiative Edirpa [European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act]. In addition,

For Tallinn. Consequently, it was a question of obtaining these Caesar in the shortest time, the “development of a wheeled self -propelled artillery battalion” being one of its “most urgent” priorities. Consequently,

Six months later. Furthermore, a first battery of Caesar was declared “ready for combat”, after a shooting campaign carried out by the reservists of the Estonian army artillery battalion. Therefore, artillery: estonia plans order more Obviously, the latter is very satisfied with its new wheels. Meanwhile,

The Caesar “is extremely precise. Therefore, […] Compared to the D-30 towed belly, it is incomparable. Moreover, It is so much faster to implement. Meanwhile, so much more mobile than we can run the unanimated fire orders much faster. At first, it was difficult to get used to it, the tactics having evolved. But today, we have acquired all the necessary skills, ”commented Sub-Lieutenant Ranno Rajaste, quoted by the Estonian staff.

“The reservists quickly acquired the necessary skills. their motivation is strong and they showed goodwill,” confirmed Commander Kaspar Põder, the director of this shooting campaign. “Mastery and ease are always perfectible, but I am generally satisfied with the result. The initial preparation state for combat has been reached and. if necessary, Estonia has another highly efficient, trained and welded artillery battery, ready to act, “he said. artillery: estonia plans order more

Since Caesar gives satisfaction, could other copies be ordered by Tallinn? In any case. this was suggested by the Estonian Ministry of Defense when presenting its budget for financial year 2026, which should amount to 2.4 billion euros. Indeed. without going into details, he indicated that the “indirect shots” segment was going to be reinforced in the years to come.

Currently. the latter is based on six Caesar [et bientôt douze] As well as thirty-six K9 Thunder tracked howles, acquired in 2018 from South Korean Hanwha Aerospace.

“There will be more indirect shooting systems. There will be more K9 and Caesar. We have already acquired various types of prowling ammunition. the scope of which exceeds 40 kilometers, ”said Hanno Pevkur, the Estonian Minister of Defense on July 30.

The additional number artillery: estonia plans order more of Caesar likely to be acquired has not been specified.. However. it is likely that the option for six copies which had been placed during the order signed in June 2024 was lifted.

In addition, Mr. Pevkur also said he wanted to order six M142 Himars multiple rocket launchers [Mobility Artillery Rocket System] In addition. which would double the strike capacity in the depth of the Estonian army. “We also seriously study the purchase of local manufacturing cruise missiles. which would offer us an even greater range,” he said.

The Estonian government plans to invest 10 billion euros to strengthen its defense forces over the period 2026-29. Purchases of new equipment will represent 37 % of this sum [et 25 % seront fléchés vers les stocks de munitions].

In addition to artillery. the Estonian Ministry of Defense wishes to complete the multilayer air defense which it is artillery: estonia plans order more putting in place with the purchase of long -range systems. Three candidates are in the running: the Franco-Italian samp/t ng. the “sling of David” of the Israeli Rafael and the American patriot.

“With this new development plan. we are building modern defense forces that will work closely with our allies to strengthen deterrent by 2029 and guarantee the ability to counter threats before they reach Estonian territory,” said Pevkur.

Photo: Estonian defense forces staff