France Signals Additional Caesar Howitzers for Ukraine Amid Russian Triction and Donetsk Attacks
France plans to deliver six more Caesar 155 mm howitzers to Ukraine, units recently deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in strikes around Donetsk. The information comes from reports cited by RBC and Europe 1, which note the details of the envisaged shipment. The move appears linked to broader concerns in Paris about the domestic inventory and the time required to bring new artillery into service.
Sources indicate that France is balancing its own defense needs with continued support for Kyiv. The French army currently operates about 70 Caesar artillery pieces, and officials say the production of fresh units would take roughly a year to complete, meaning additional missiles will come from existing stocks or quick-access reserves rather than immediate new manufacturing output.
In conversations between presidents, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly discussed ongoing military assistance, including the potential transfer of heavy weapons from France. The official French press release following the call highlighted continued commitment to support Kyiv with sizeable armaments, aligning with France’s stance on aiding Ukraine’s defense against aggression. (citation: Europe 1; RBC)
On the Donetsk front, Ukrainian forces reported shelling on June 6 using the Caesar 155 mm artillery system sent by France. The strike reportedly injured two civilians in the DPR, underscoring the ongoing human impact of the conflict and the role of foreign artillery in the battlefield dynamics. (citation: Europe 1; RBC)
France approved the supply of 12 Caesar 155 mm howitzers in a decision dated April 22, 2022. Earlier this year, Paris also facilitated weapons training for 40 Ukrainian soldiers, teaching them to operate the Caesar system with the aim of enhancing battlefield effectiveness. (citation: Europe 1; RBC)
Caesar is built by the French company Nexter and is mounted on a 6×6 truck produced by Arquus, a unit of the Renault group. The system features a 155 mm cannon capable of firing conventional projectiles as well as modern guided munitions, including the Katana 155 mm guided artillery round. The Katana rounds offer extended range and precision for greater impact on targets. The Caesar’s published firing envelope ranges from approximately 4.5 to 40 kilometers depending on ammunition and conditions, enabling long-range engagement with relative mobility.
Analysts note that the Caesar deployments illustrate France’s willingness to supply capable long-range artillery to Ukraine while managing domestic procurement timelines. The balance between strategic commitments to Kyiv and the need to maintain robust, ready-to-use fire support within French forces is a familiar theme in Western military aid discussions. The ongoing use of international artillery shipments has become a visible part of the broader European response to the conflict, with allied nations coordinating to ensure reliable support without compromising domestic defense readiness. (citation: Europe 1; RBC)