The Lithuanian Armed Forces can expect an increase in modern 155 mm artillery, following the Ministry of Defense's purchase of 30 additional Caesar Mk II wheeled self-propelled howitzers from KNDS France. The first 18 units were ordered back in the summer of 2022.
As a result, the total number of these French self-propelled howitzers is expected to reach 48 units. This means that Lithuania will become the largest foreign operator of the new Caesar Mk II. Only France will have more units, having contracted 109 Caesar Mk II howitzers for €350 million. The first deliveries are expected in 2026, with the full order scheduled for completion by 2030.
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Lithuania will receive its first Caesar Mk IIs in 2027, with all deliveries completed by 2030. It is also worth noting that the country currently has only 16 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers in service.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense has announced that the purchase price for 30 Caesar Mk IIs is €252 million. So, the cost of one Caesar Mk II is €8.4 million. The contract will be financed under the EU SAFE program.
It is also stated that the Caesar Mk II will use 155 mm ammunition, which the country plans to start producing by 2027.
This is an important point, because shell production in Lithuania is conducted in partnership with Rheinmetall. The Czech experience shows that using non-French modern ammunition in these self-propelled howitzers operated by other countries can be problematic.
It should be noted that the Caesar Mk II received a new fire control system, including a new radar for measuring speed and inertial navigation systems, updated communication and control systems, as well as integration of electronic warfare capabilities. Visually, the system is distinguished by a new cabin with enhanced protection. The chassis also received a significantly more powerful engine, 460 hp, up from 260 hp, along with an automatic transmission.
In addition, Lithuania is taking major steps to modernize its defense forces, with its artillery purchases intended to form a full-fledged division. As part of this effort, Vilnius has already purchased Leopard 2A8 tanks, although it had to reduce its order, as well as set to acquire CV90 infantry fighting vehicles in a joint purchase with Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, and the Netherlands.
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