Lithuanian Armed Forces capabilities will improve by 18 new era Caesar Mark II self-propelled 155 mm howitzers. Minister of Nationwide Defence Arvydas Anušauskas concluded the bilateral settlement for becoming a member of the Caesar Mark II improvement programme throughout his go to to Paris at a gathering with Minister of the Armed Forces of France Sebastien Lecornu on December 29. In accordance with Ministers, the settlement considerably strengthens the Lithuanian Armed Forces, no much less that the army cooperation between France and Lithuania. The land defence gear producer NEXTER firm has already begun design and improvement of the brand new era Caesar Mark II wheeled artillery system by request of the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France. Will probably be an enhanced model of Caesar wheeled artillery system at present in use within the Armed Forces of France. First era Caesar howitzers have been utilized in worldwide operations in Africa and Afghanistan, a number of have been transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for defence towards the Russian aggression. The system is valued for its mobility, fast and straightforward personnel coaching and reliability options.
“As we analyse the course of the conflict in Ukraine, we recognise the necessity to improve the direct hearth assist functionality within the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Lithuania additional gives the continued help with army gear to Ukraine, due to this fact we face the necessity for replenishment. Exactly for that cause a call was made to acquire the brand new era Caesar Mark II artillery techniques, versatile and appropriate for the varied artillery duties. The choice has been made primarily based on assessments of subject-matter consultants. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the significance of artillery function on the battlefield, it’s a important functionality for the Lithuanian Armed Forces,” mentioned Minister of Nationwide Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
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Weaponry has stood the take a look at of time and stays unchanged because the first era howitzers, the modifications have been launched within the platform: new engine is double the facility of the unique one, an automated transmission, strengthened chassis, bulletproof tyres, backside safety towards explosive discharge, second-level ballistic safety compartment are launched. Caesar Mark II can be appropriate for an efficient assist of motorised, mechanised and armoured models, particularly these requiring speedy deployment. The Ministry of Nationwide Defence foresees allocation of approx. EUR 110-150 million for your complete Caesar Mark II artillery system improvement and acquisition challenge. The funds will cowl each, improvement and acquisition of the gear and its integration within the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Howitzer supply deadline is 2027. The Ministry of Nationwide Defence selected becoming a member of the French Caesar Mark II artillery system programme because of analysis of armaments at present in use within the Lithuanian Armed Forces and in acquisition plans. Additionally it is primarily based on operational necessities for brand spanking new 155 mm self-propelled artillery techniques proposed by the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
A market evaluation has underlined the 155 mm Caesar (6×6) artillery system because the closest one to Lithuania’s necessities. Caesar is basically the one self-propelled wheeled 155 mm artillery system manufactured in a NATO or EU member state that’s examined in real-life battles. One other argument in favour of Caesar Mark II acquisition is ammunition compatibility with tracked 155 mm PzH2000 artillery system utilized by the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The brand new gear can be assigned to the Brigadier Common Motiejus Pe?iulionis Artillery Battalion of the Griffin Infantry Brigade, it’ll change outdated towed 105 mm howitzers that fall behind on trendy battle mobility and firepower necessities. A number of different NATO Allies (Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark and France) additionally use or plan buying the Caesar artillery system. In Paris, Minister A. Anušauskas and S. Lecornu additionally mentioned the safety scenario, assist to Ukraine, oncoming NATO Summit in Vilnius and main bilateral cooperation features. Minister thanked France for the choice to deploy to Lithuania a NATO Air Policing Mission reinforcement with 4 Rafale fighter plane and for the dedication to the Baltic safety expressed in deployments to the NATO eFP.
