The technological superiority of the Caesar self-propelled artillery system helped reverse the tide of the Russian-Ukrainian war, according to the Telegram Channel run by Hanna Malyar, who serves as the Deputy Minister of Defence for Ukraine. The essential takeaway from it is as follows:
The CAESAR self-propelled artillery unit is French. It arrived in Ukraine in the spring of 2022 and significantly altered the trajectory of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. This technologically advanced and mobile French howitzer became rapidly indispensable in anti-artillery warfare against Russian artillery.
The rules of engagement were altered with the introduction of CAESAR. This 155mm French howitzer was a disaster for the Russians, who could only dream of firing distances of this magnitude. It had a range of up to 40 kilometres and up to 50 km when utilising “smart” Excalibur bullets. In one of the initial engagements, Ukrainian CAESAR units destroyed two hostile tanks, a BMP and a BTR, and their crews.
This was only the start. Almost immediately after that, Ukrainian artillery batteries, assisted by a salvo of six French CAESARs, encircled a territory where the Russians had amassed fifteen artillery units and other military equipment. Direct strikes eliminated dozens of occupiers, and the 2S19 “Msta-S” self-propelled howitzer and the battery commander’s vehicle were among the destroyed targets.
Using their technological superiority over their Russian counterparts, CAESARs track down enemy artillery. A digital fire control system ensures the howitzer’s automatic targeting, allowing it to rapidly discharge up to six rounds per minute and change its firing position. This was the circumstance during the one-of-a-kind operation to free Snake Island, in which CAESARs also took part.
Denmark also sold CAESAR SPHs to Ukraine. Thanks to the new chassis, these vehicles are equipped with a fully automated loading system, and their ammunition capacity has been increased from 18 to 30 rounds, which translates to one thing in practice: more adversaries eliminated.
The Russians have such a deep-seated hatred for French CAESAR SPHs at this point that they send hostile kamikaze drones like the “Lancet” to regularly target them. However, the “French’s” rate of fire, mobility, and manoeuvrability not only helped them survive on the battlefield but also allowed them to effectively complete their primary duty: defeat the Russian occupiers and bring Ukraine closer to victory.
