On the occasion of the Eurosatory 2026 international defence and security exhibition, KNDS announces the acquisition of 18 CAESAR artillery systems by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, marking a major milestone in its commitment alongside the Malaysian Armed Forces. Representatives of KNDS and its local industrial partner Advanced Defense System (ADS Sdn Bhd) formalized an order for 18 CAESAR artillery systems on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, during the 2026 edition of Eurosatory. The contract includes the granting of a licence providing for technology transfer and the assembly of the systems in Malaysia. Malaysia thus becomes the 15th country to acquire this global reference in wheeled artillery, proven in high-intensity combat, with 800 systems already ordered or delivered worldwide. This landmark acquisition demonstrates the confidence of the Malaysian Armed Forces in KNDS’s expertise and in the ability of its partner ADS Sdn Bhd to locally integrate and maintain the CAESAR system.
“We are particularly proud to support the Malaysian Army through the delivery of world-class artillery systems that meet the highest operational standards. This new milestone in KNDS’s history in Malaysia reflects our determination to support our partners over the long term in developing their defence capabilities and to meet their expectations in terms of industrial localization,” said Nicolas Groult, Chief Executive Officer of KNDS France.
The CAESAR (Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie, Truck equipped with an artillery system) is a French 155 mm, 52-caliber self-propelled gun 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,[4][irrelevant citation] or targets over 55 km (34 mi) away using rocket-assisted or smart ammunition. The CAESAR was developed by French defence contractor GIAT Industries (now KNDS France) and has been exported to various countries. Units manufactured for the French Army use a 6×6 Renault Sherpa 5 chassis,[5][6] while some export customers have opted for systems integrated on a 6×6 Unimog U2450L or 8×8 Tatra 817 chassis.
KNDS’s presence in Malaysia is part of a long-term partnership with the country’s authorities. This cooperation had already reached a major milestone in 2018 with the signing of a strategic partnership covering the supply and local assembly of 105LG lightweight towed artillery guns. This flagship program illustrates KNDS’s ability to support its partners in developing sovereign capabilities and implementing long-term industrial projects. Thanks to its high mobility and ability to rapidly reposition, the 105LG gun ensures discretion and survivability even in the most complex operational environments and contexts, demonstrating KNDS’s expertise in artillery systems. Today, Malaysia’s order of 18 CAESAR systems in a regimental configuration directly contributes to strengthening the capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Through a program of know-how transfer and advanced industrial localization with ADS, this contract also aligns with the Malaysian National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP), which aims to develop an autonomous, sustainable and resilient national defence industry.
KNDS is a leading pan-European land defense company, uniting nearly 11,000 employees and generating €4.4 billion in revenue in 2025. With a strong order backlog of €33.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, the group delivers innovative complete mission solutions built on state-of-the art technologies. Leveraging deep industrial expertise and strong partnerships, KNDS develops open, interoperable solutions combining manned and unmanned systems, designed to meet tomorrow’s operational challenges. As a prime contractor, it provides full system-of-systems capabilities, from platforms to ammunition and services, managing the entire value chain and encompassing complete product life cycles. Born from the alliance of Nexter and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, KNDS embodies the path toward a collective and efficient future for the sovereignty of Europe’s defense by supporting the standardization and interoperability between European and NATO forces. Trusted by 40+ armies worldwide, including 24 European armed forces, KNDS benefits from decades of combat-proven experience. KNDS embodies a united, efficient model to enhance stability and long-term security in Europe and beyond.
