Ramil Lipp, Strategic Category Manager (Armaments) at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), expressed satisfaction with the swift delivery of the howitzers. “We signed the contract last June, and it took just half a year for the first CAESAR howitzers to arrive in Estonia,” he noted.
Arrived! Meet #Estonia‘s 🇪🇪 brand-new 🇫🇷-made CAESAR wheeled self-propelled howitzers — boosting firepower, mobility, and defence readiness. 💥 pic.twitter.com/Az8h5Cn7YF
— MoD Estonia (@MoD_Estonia) January 30, 2025
The CAESAR self-propelled howitzer is regarded as a highly effective weapon, having demonstrated its reliability in various conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. Its capability to cover 600 km on a single refuel and compatibility with NATO-standard munitions make it a versatile and strategic asset for Estonia’s defence forces.
Lieutenant Colonel Rauno Viitmann, project officer for the procurement, highlighted the impact of the new artillery on the EDF. “The CAESARs increase firepower and reaction speed of the Estonian division, enabling support for units across the country in various situations when needed,” he said. Training for conscripts is set to begin in the coming weeks, with reservist exercises scheduled for the summer.
The CAESAR MK1 offers significant operational advantages, including the ability to engage targets over 40 km away and rapidly relocate when necessary. Its automation and user-friendly design enable crews to be trained within weeks, while its widespread adoption ensures reliable long-term support and spare parts availability.
Estonia signed the procurement agreement in the summer of 2024 with the French defence procurement agency DGA and the defence firm KNDS France to acquire 12 CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. The contract includes an option to purchase additional units in the future, reinforcing Estonia’s artillery capabilities and commitment to national defence.
