Croatia plans to carry out four major defense procurements worth nearly €2 billion including tanks, trucks, air defense systems, and French Caesar MK2 6x6 self-propelled howitzers, which will be acquired under the European Security Action for Europe initiative.
In total, the country intends to purchase 18 Caesar MK2s through France's defense procurement agency DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement). According to Croatia's Ministry of Defense, the contract is valued at around €320 million, or approximately €17.7 million ($20.47 million) per artillery system.
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However, this price includes not only the vehicles themselves, but also a full support package fire-control systems, communications suites, logistics, and sustainment services, according to reports.
The contract is expected to be signed by the end of this year, though delivery dates have not yet been announced. Completion of all deliveries is projected for 2029.
It's also worth noting that Croatia's planned purchase of the Caesar MK2 is another clear example of how long it can take from signing a framework agreement to finalizing a firm contract. The initial framework deal between Croatias and France's defense ministries was reached back in June 2024.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that the first new 155 mm Caesar Mk II howitzers are expected to enter service with the French Army in 2026.
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