The Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) has officially welcomed its first batch of six Caesar self-propelled howitzers into its arsenal, marking a significant enhancement of its artillery capabilities. This acquisition comes as part of a broader initiative to modernize Estonia’s defense systems in response to evolving security challenges.
In the summer of 2024, a contract was signed for a total of 12 Caesar MK1 units, which involves collaboration between the Estonian Center for Defense Investments, the French Directorate General of Armament, and KNDS France. Notably, this procurement was executed as a joint venture with the French government, allowing room for potential additional purchases in the future.
While the specific costs associated with the deal remain undisclosed, it is estimated that each Caesar howitzer is valued at approximately $4.3 million. The EDF anticipates that the subsequent batch of six guns will arrive by the end of the summer.
These state-of-the-art howitzers are set to be assigned to the newly-formed 3rd self-propelled artillery battalion, which operates under the command of the Estonian Division. Ramil Lipp, Strategic Category Manager (Armaments) at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, expressed excitement over the delivery, noting that the Caesar’s design facilitates rapid relocation capabilities over distances of up to 600 kilometers (approximately 373 miles) on a single fuel load. Furthermore, Lipp pointed out that the standard caliber of the cannon supports compatibility with a range of NATO munitions.
Currently, the EDF’s artillery force includes 24 K9 Thunder self-propelled guns. However, the Caesar howitzer stands out due to its 6×6 wheeled platform, which offers enhanced mobility compared to tracked systems like the K9. The Caeser has a striking range of up to 42 kilometers (26 miles) when utilizing standard shells, and it can reach targets at distances of up to 55 kilometers (34 miles) when employing rocket-assisted projectiles. Its ability to fire at a rate of six rounds per minute while being deployable and ready to fire within a mere 60 seconds significantly boosts the operational efficiency of the Estonian artillery.
Lieutenant Colonel Rauno Viitmann, project officer at the Estonian Defence Forces, commented on the strategic advantages provided by the new howitzers, stating that they will enhance firepower and reaction speeds for the Estonian division, thereby ensuring effective support for units across the nation in various scenarios. He also indicated that training programs are set to begin soon, with conscript training slated for the coming weeks and reservist training exercises planned for the summer, ensuring that both conscripts and reservists will be fully prepared to operate the advanced self-propelled howitzers.
