KNDS has announced a significant development in its military offerings with plans to commence the serial production of the Caesar 8×8 artillery system in the Czech Republic beginning in early June. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the Czech military capabilities, as the country prepares to receive these advanced units by 2026.
Two prototypes of the Caesar 8×8 are set to undergo military trials this summer, marking a crucial step towards full-scale production. Notably, around 40 percent of the 62 Caesar 8×8 units ordered by Prague will be produced locally. This production will have a positive impact on the Czech industrial base, as local companies like Excalibur Army, Retia, and Tatra will contribute to the assembly of essential components, including communication equipment, fire control system hardware, the cabin, and chassis.
In addition to production advancements, KNDS has implemented a Mixed Reality Crew Trainer. This innovative training system allows the Czech Army’s troops to practice on the Caesar system without taking the vehicles out of operational service. Initial training for gun crews and maintenance personnel has already been conducted in France, ensuring that they are well-prepared to use the new artillery system effectively.
The company plans to showcase the Caesar 8×8 and its latest capabilities at the upcoming International Defence and Security Technologies Fair in Brno, southern Czechia. This exhibition will provide a platform for military and defense stakeholders to observe the system in action.
The Caesar 8×8 is designed with formidable capabilities, including the ability to strike targets over 25 miles (40 kilometers) away. It fires 155mm, 52-caliber rounds using extended-range full-bore ammunition, making it an effective tool in modern combat scenarios. The vehicle can achieve impressive speeds, traveling off-road at 31 miles (50 kilometers) per hour and reaching double that on paved roads.
This artillery system has already proven its worth in battle, as seen with 19 units donated to Ukraine by Denmark to bolster Kyiv’s heavy weaponry amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. As KNDS moves forward with its production and training initiatives, the Caesar 8×8 is poised to play a vital role in enhancing the Czech Republic’s defense capabilities and contributing to broader regional security efforts.
