KNDS France, the main provider of artillery systems for Malaysia and a strategic industrial partner for the Malaysian defence industry. The achievement of industrial partnership initiated in 2018 with the assembly and delivery of 18 units of 105mm LG 1 MKIII 105 mm towed howitzers to the Malaysian Army reflects their mutual commitment to enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities but also signifies the excellence of local skills in the defense industry. In a pro-active action, both companies will also address selected export markets for the 105mm LG1 MKIII, creating additional value to the Malaysian eco-system.
KNDS France, together with Malaysian company Advanced Defense Systems (ADS), commit to expand their partnership at an upper level in addressing the 155mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzer to be assembled and integrated in the industrial facilities of ADSSB in Segamat, State of Johor. The installation of the CAESAR not only provides additional strength to the Malaysian Army but also contributes to the local economy by creating job opportunities and enhancing expertise in the field of armaments. KNDS and ADSSB are committed to continuing its efforts to advance Malaysia’s defense industry and support national security initiatives.
The CAESAR (Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie, Truck equipped with an artillery system”) is a French 155 mm, 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer that can fire 39/52 caliber NATO-standard shells. It is installed on a 6×6 or 8×8 truck chassis. Equipped with an autonomous weapon network incorporating an inertial navigation system and ballistic computer, the CAESAR can accurately strike targets more than 40 kilometres (25 mi) away using “Extended Range, Full Bore” (ERFB) ammunition with base bleed, or targets over 55 kilometres (34 mi) away using rocket-assisted or smart ammunition.
In 2019, it appears that a Nexter Caesar 155mm self-propelled howitzer was present in the city of Kemaman for mobility and firing trials. There may be numerous other photos circulating on social media. The mobility trials are likely to have taken place around the logging routes and plantation roads of Felda in the vicinity of Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, and Perak, similar to what occurred previously in 1995. The firing trials are most likely conducted at the Kem Sirajuddin field in Gemas, which also includes the Asahan area where Caesar underwent similar tests in 1995. Caesar is considered suitable for the Southeast Asian region, thus being operated by the armies of Thailand and Indonesia.
