The Ministry of National Defence plans joining the CAESAR MARK II new generation artillery system development program of the General Directorate for Armament of France, as well as procurement of 18 pieces of the new generation self-propelled wheeled 155mm howitzers to further strengthen the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The corresponding Declaration of Intent was signed by Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas and Minister for the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu in Paris on June 13.
The technical agreement on the contribution the Ministry of National Defence would make to the Caesar MarktII development programme is expected to be signed before July 30, there is a parallel contract drafted with the French ammunition and weaponry systems manufacturer NEXTER as well.
The acquisition of the French Caesar MarktII new generation artillery systems will be the largest project the Lithuanian Armed Forces has ever had with France. It will significantly increase defensive capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The war against Ukraine has made it obvious that indirect fire capability is essential and therefore it is vital for us to provide it for the Lithuanian Armed Forces. We cannot afford to wait until the next war.
Minister of National Defence A. Anušauskas
The new artillery systems will be dedicated to Brig Gen Motiejus Pečiulionis Artillery Battalion. The equipment will replace the 105 mm towed howitzers in service with the Griffin Brigade which are obsolete in terms of mobility and firepower requirements in modern warfare.
The Ministry of National Defence foresees appropriation of approx. EUR 110–150 million for the entire Caesar MarktII procurement project. The funds would cover development of the system, acquisition, and integration into the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark and France are the other NATO Allies that have or plan procuring the Caesar MarktII artillery systems.
Photo credit: Ludo Segers
