Nexter is exhibiting at Defense Services Asia (DSA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to provide the Malaysian Army and other Asian partners with solutions to their artillery, vehicle and ammunition needs. This gun, which has already been acquired by eight countries worldwide, has been successfully used in combat by the French army, notably in Iraq. The CAESAR 6X6 has demonstrated its ability to fire at long range with very high rates of fire, and has been upgraded on a regular basis, such as the MkII version recently ordered by France. The CAESAR (CAmion Équipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie) is a French self-propelled 155 mm/52-calibre gun-howitzer, installed on a 6×6 truck chassis.
Malaysian firm Advanced Defence Systems Sdn Bhd (ADS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nexter Systems on 29 March, focusing on the Caesar 155mm/52-calibre wheeled light self-propelled gun (SPG) on a 6×6 chassis. The ceremony took place during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) & National Security Asia (NATSEC Asia) 2022, at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. The CAESAR has been planned for assembly at the ADS Assembly Plant in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia. ADS also has successfully delivered 18 units of 105mm LG1 MKIII to the Malaysian Army in December 2020, four months ahead from the contractual date. The 105mm LG1 MKIII was completely assembled in ADS Assembly Plant in Johor.
The CAESAR is a wheeled, 155mm 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer. It holds 18 rounds and is typically operated by a crew of five, though if necessary, the CAESAR can be operated by as few as three persons. It can be transported by C-130 or A400M, and has a firing range of approximately 42 km using an Extended Range, Full Bore (ERFB) shell, and more than 50 km using rocket assisted shells. The system is integrated with a fully computerized system, providing automatic control. During Eurosatory 2006, CAESAR was exhibited with an automated laying system based on the SIGMA 30 inertial navigation system.
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. Heavier armor will increase its weight by 400 kg (880 pounds) and raise the price by 4-5 percent. The Mark II features a new chassis with a more powerful 460 hp engine and new automatic gearbox, new fire control software, and a Level 2 mine and ballistic armored cabin.
