The Minister of Defence of Belgium Ludivine Dedonder signed the CaMo 2 intergovernmental agreement with her French counterpart, Florence Parly, confirming the strategic partnership between the two countries and their desire to work towards European defence. On 7 November 2018, the defense ministers of Belgium and France signed the Capacités Motorisée (Motorized Capacities) (CaMo) partnership which will allow the Belgian land forces to completely reequip the combat fleet of its motorized brigade. This agreement includes the acquisition by Belgium of nine CAESAR NG information-enhanced systems, the delivery of which is scheduled for 2027.
The acquisition contract will be notified in the coming weeks by the French Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), in the name and on behalf of Belgium. In addition to the operational component, including joint training and integrated training, this agreement includes the acquisition by Belgium of 9 CAESAR NG computerized. This also includes hardware for Communication and Information Systems (CIS), hardware and software needed to integrate artillery pieces into the infovalued network, tooling, documentation and accompanying material. The total Belgian investment budget amounts to 62 million euros.
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. The CAESAR platform was developed by the former GIAT Industries (now known as Nexter) and is operated by the Danish, French, Indonesian, Lebanese, Saudi Arabian, Thai, and Ukrainian militaries. It can be transported by C-130 or A400M, and has a firing range of approximately 42 kilometres (26 mi) using an Extended Range, Full Bore (ERFB) shell, and more than 50 kilometres (31 mi) using rocket assisted shells. The CAESAR holds 18 rounds and can be operated by as few as three persons.
In February 2022, Nexter was awarded a contract by the French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) for the development of the CAESAR 6×6 Mark II New Generation (NG) 155mm Wheeled Self-propelled Howitzer. 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. The contract begins a four-year development phase, after which the Mark II will enter production. In 2024, the DGA will choose whether to launch production of 109 new-built Mark IIs or to procure 33 new vehicles while retrofitting the 76 CAESARs already in service.
