The CAESAR 8×8 (CAmion Équipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie; Truck equipped with an artillery system) is Nexter’s answer to the British Army’s need for the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme. The CAESAR self-propelled howitzer platform was developed by the former GIAT Industries (now known as Nexter) and is operated by the French, Indonesian, Saudi Arabian and Thai militaries. The CAESAR 8×8 is in production at the Roanne site for the Danish Army, which will take delivery of the 14th unit at the end of September 2021.
In 16 September 2015 at DSEI 2015, Nexter unveiled the CAESAR 8×8 which features a high level of mobility ensured by a modified Tatra T-815 8×8 chassis. Suited to high-intensity combat, the CAESAR 8×8 chassis carries a larger load (up to 30 rounds of ammunition compared with 18 for the 6×6 version) and its automatic loading system reduces operator fatigue. This heavy artillery system inherits CAESAR 6×6 version’s qualities and maturity, which is recognized for its low logistical footprint, robustness and stealth in operation.
Nexter offers a complete range of conventional and smart 155mm artillery ammunition, providing 52-caliber guns excellent performances in terms of range, accuracy, lethality and safety. Nexter is developing an armored cab for the CAESAR in response to demand for more protection for the crew. The additional armor will protect against IEDs and roadside bombs, anti-vehicle mines and 155 mm shells landing as close as five meters (16 feet) away from the vehicle. It can be added to the cabs of existing CAESARs.
The LU211 shells are specifically developed for CAESAR systems: they are twice as lethal as M107 shells and can reach a range of up to 40km. Nexter also produces smoke (LU214, LU217) and illuminating shells (LU215, LU216). The range is completed by the 155mm BONUS anti-tank shell, which already equips several NATO armies, including the US Army, and the 155mm KATANA precision-guided ammunition. In addition, a large sample of the ammunition catalog can be seen on the stand: 20, 25, 30 and 40mm CT medium-calibre ammunition alongside 40, 76 and 127mm naval ammunition, 120mm tank ammunition, as well as soft kill and reactive protection solutions.
