Slovenia Buys 12 French CAESAR 6×6 155mm Howitzers
Slovenia has confirmed an order for 12 French-made CAESAR 6×6 155 mm self-propelled howitzers. The Defense Ministry announced this on June 13, 2025. This purchase is part of a European joint procurement framework launched in June 2024 by France, Croatia and Estonia. In May 2025, Slovenia joined this initiative (along with Bulgaria and Portugal) under an amendment led by France. France conducts the acquisitions on behalf of the group.
The first batch of 12 CAESAR howitzers, equipped with integrated reconnaissance assets and the Atlas artillery information system is expected by 2028. Slovenia plans to order six more by 2030. The initial order costs approximately €87 million (excluding VAT) (around €110 million including VAT), and the total for all 18 units is roughly €170 million. Given the production schedule (about 12 units per month), all howitzers initiated in 2025 will be completed by mid-2026, so deliveries to Slovenia are expected to begin around 2028.
The CAESAR (Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie) is a modern wheeled howitzer that mounts a 155 mm/52-caliber gun. It is designed for rapid shoot-and-scoot operations and can fire up to six rounds per minute, and uses advanced fire-control. Inertial navigation and GPS allow it to achieve precision strikes. Standard shells allow it to reach targets over 40 km away, while rocket-assisted rounds extend that range to more than 50 km. Many NATO armies, including France, Denmark, and Estonia, have adopted CAESAR as its combat performance in Ukraine has demonstrated its accuracy, survivability, and mobility under fire.
This CAESAR purchase represents a significant boost in Slovenia’s artillery capability. The Slovenian Army previously relied on older towed guns and mortars but the new howitzers will greatly enhance their firepower and range. Entering into the EU procurement initiative, Slovenia gains access to group buying and complements its interoperability with its allies. The deal comes as Slovenia moves to increase defense spending toward NATO’s 2% GDP target and reflects Slovenia’s commitment to collective defense.