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Estonia has signed a new contract with France and defense manufacturer KNDS to acquire 12 additional Caesar wheeled self-propelled howitzers. The purchase will double the country’s inventory of the French-made artillery systems.

The agreement follows an earlier deal signed in the summer of 2024 for an initial batch of 12 Caesar systems. Those first units were delivered in early 2025 and assigned to a newly established artillery formation within Estonia’s armed forces.

Under the latest contract, the additional howitzers are scheduled to arrive later this year, with officials emphasizing rapid delivery timelines and close coordination between procurement agencies.

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed the agreement and highlighted the role of French and Estonian defense institutions in concluding the purchase.

“I am pleased that the Estonian Centre for Defense Investments, the French defense procurement agency Direction Générale de l’Armement, and the French company KNDS have signed a contract under which Estonia will procure an additional 12 Caesar wheeled self-propelled howitzers,” Pevkur said.

Strengthening Defense Cooperation

The new procurement comes alongside renewed efforts by Estonia and France to expand their strategic defense partnership. Defense ministers from both countries met in Brussels and confirmed their intention to renew a broader defense cooperation agreement, underscoring France’s growing role as a key arms supplier and security partner for the Baltic region.

Pevkur described France as a highly important partner for Estonia and said strengthening defense cooperation with Paris was “extremely important” for the country’s long-term security planning.

Officials from both sides praised the collaboration between their respective defense investment agencies and emphasized continued joint work on capability development.

By the end of the year, Estonia is expected to field a total of 24 Caesar self-propelled howitzers. The expansion reflects a broader push by Tallinn to modernize its armed forces and enhance artillery capabilities in response to evolving regional security dynamics.

New Artillery Battalion

The Caesar systems will be assigned to the newly created 3rd self-propelled artillery battalion, which operates under the direct command of the Estonian Division. The first 12 units delivered in early 2025 were also integrated into this formation, allowing the battalion to build operational capacity around a standardized platform.

Estonia’s artillery fleet currently includes 24 mobile units based on the South Korean K9 Thunder tracked self-propelled howitzer. The addition of the wheeled Caesar platform provides a complementary capability, offering greater operational flexibility and mobility compared with tracked systems.

Officials said the decision to procure additional units reflects both the performance of the initial batch and the importance of rapid deployment capabilities across Estonia’s territory. Although the overall budget for the program has not been publicly disclosed, authorities have stressed the importance of quick delivery and integration.

Arrived! Meet #Estonia's 🇪🇪 brand-new 🇫🇷-made CAESAR wheeled self-propelled howitzers — boosting firepower, mobility, and defence readiness. 💥 pic.twitter.com/Az8h5Cn7YF

— MoD Estonia (@MoD_Estonia) January 30, 2025

“Only six months passed from the signing of the initial contracts to the arrival of the first Caesar systems in Estonia,” said Janari Kasemets, category manager for combat platforms at the Estonian Centre for Defense Investments.

“It is therefore particularly encouraging that we have now concluded a new contract for the acquisition of an additional quantity of self-propelled howitzers, and we hope that deliveries will proceed at an equally rapid pace.”

Capabilities of the Caesar System

The Caesar MK1 is a 155-millimeter self-propelled howitzer designed for high mobility and rapid deployment. Mounted on a wheeled chassis, the system allows artillery units to redeploy quickly over long distances and provide indirect fire support across wide areas.

The howitzer can engage targets at ranges exceeding 40 kilometers and fire up to six rounds per minute. It can be deployed and ready to fire within roughly 60 seconds, allowing units to quickly enter and exit firing positions to reduce vulnerability on the battlefield.

Compatible with NATO-standard 155-millimeter ammunition, the system can use a wide range of munitions already available within allied inventories. Its automated features and digital fire-control system simplify operation and enable crews to be trained and brought to operational readiness within weeks.

The widespread international use of the platform also ensures long-term logistical support and spare parts availability.

Lieutenant Colonel Meelis Laanemets said the additional systems would significantly enhance Estonia’s operational capabilities.

“The additional Caesar self-propelled howitzers will significantly enhance the firepower and responsiveness of the Estonian Division, enabling effective indirect fire support to units across the entire territory of Estonia,” Laanemets said.

“The greater mobility of wheeled platforms compared to tracked systems allows for faster redeployment and substantially increases the flexibility and combat capability of the division’s indirect fire assets.”

Broader Modernization Push

The acquisition forms part of Estonia’s broader effort to strengthen its defense posture and improve readiness through modernization and closer cooperation with allies.

The expansion of artillery capabilities, combined with renewed agreements with France, highlights a continued emphasis on interoperability with NATO partners and rapid response capabilities.

With deliveries of the additional systems expected later this year, Estonia’s armed forces will operate a combined fleet of tracked and wheeled artillery platforms designed to support both defensive operations and rapid redeployment across the country.

Officials have indicated that the focus will remain on integrating new equipment quickly and ensuring units are fully trained and operational as soon as the systems arrive.