KNDS Czech Republic to Start CAESAR 8×8 Howitzer Production in 2025
KNDS Czech Republic, the local branch of the Franco-German KNDS defense group, has announced that serial production of the CAESAR 8×8 self-propelled howitzer will commence in June 2025. This follows a contract signed by the Czech Ministry of Defence on September 30, 2021, for 52 CAESAR 8×8 units, with an additional 10 howitzers approved in December 2022 (bringing the total to 62 systems). First deliveries to the Czech Army are scheduled for 2026 under a deal valued at approximately €335 million. The initial prototypes have already been constructed, and crews have received training in France. The final assembly of the first Czech-built guns will take place at the Excalibur Army plant in the Czech Republic, starting in early June. A key aspect of the Czech program is its industrial partnership and domestic production. Approximately 40% of each CAESAR 8×8 will be produced in the Czech Republic. Excalibur Army in Přelouč will manage final assembly, Tatra Defence Vehicles and Tatra Trucks will provide the armored cabin and chassis, and Retia will integrate the communications and fire-control systems. Czech firms (including STV and Explosia) are also supplying and certifying 155 mm ammunition.
The CAESAR 8×8 is a modern 155 mm/52-caliber wheeled howitzer combining high mobility with significant firepower. Mounted on an 8×8 Tatra truck chassis, it uses an automated loading system and digital fire-control to deliver rapid, accurate fires. The system can fire NATO-standard 155 mm rounds to about 40 km with standard ammunition and over 50 km with extended-range or rocket-assisted projectiles. Weighing around 28–30 tonnes, the wheeled CAESAR can road-march at up to 100 km/h and redeploy quickly, enabling “shoot-and-scoot” tactics that improve survivability. The design is an evolution of Nexter’s original 6×6 CAESAR, which saw extensive use in Afghanistan and Mali and most recently in Ukraine. Lessons learned in those conflicts have been incorporated into the 8×8 variant’s improved mobility, protection, and payload. Ukrainian crews have already used their CAESAR 8×8 batteries in combat, with 19 vehicles firing over 40,000 rounds since mid-2023, underscoring the system’s combat-proven capabilities.
This program highlights the Czech Republic’s growing role in European defense manufacturing. It not only boosts the Czech Army’s artillery power but also makes the Czech Republic a critical contributor to NATO’s collective firepower and modernization efforts. The result is a more resilient, Europe-focused defense industrial base at a time when strategic uncertainties demand robust national and alliance fire-support capabilities.