The Ministry of National Defence continues adding capability to the Lithuanian defence with the latest signature of a contract on acquisition of CAESAR Mk II self-propelled howitzers from France’s leader of defence industry KNDS France. This is Lithuania’s second acquisition of the mentioned system and the largest purchase from France ever made. The contract stands at approx. EUR 252 million.
Next generation CAESAR Mk II 155 mm 6×6 wheeled howitzers are seen as one of the moist advanced artillery platforms in the world, and tested on a real battlefield in Ukraine. The system will enhance Lithuania’s combat power and battlefield mobility. The platform upgraded with Lithuania’s contribution has an enforced armored cabin, more efficient engine, advanced control system and better resilience in complex tactical situations.
“Selection of CAESAR Mk II is an important step in strengthening Lithuania’s defence and a clear signal of a developing cooperation with France. This advanced system will add mobility and fire power to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, while closer partnership with the French defence sector will strengthen our ties with an Ally,” . says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
According to the contract, Lithuania shall receive not just the system itself but also a full package of logistical and integration solutions: training courses, simulation systems, spares. An industrial cooperation contract has been signed in parallel to the purchase: KNDS France will invest EUR 12 million in a maintenance and repair facility constructions and preparation for work in Lithuania. The second purchase of CAESAR Mk II makes Lithuania the second largest user of the system after France.
The projects comes under the umbrella of the SAFE investment plan. The 155 mm ammunition to be produced in Lithuania as of 2027 will be fully compatible with the purchased equipment.
CAESAR is one of the few wheeled 155 mm self-propelled artillery systems manufactured in NATO and the EU that has been battle-tested. Other Allies that plan to buy it are Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Estonia, Slovenia, Croatia and Portugal.
Photo: signature by the Deputy Director of the Defence Materiel Agency under the MoD Aistė Garunkštytė ir Olivier Travert, Marketing and Sales Director of KNDS France.
