It is possible that the upgrade of the French CAESAR self-propelled artillery is aimed at finding new customers, including Vietnam.
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| In 2015, Nexter Group first introduced the prototype of the CAESAR 8x8 self-propelled gun - an upgraded version of the CAESAR gun introduced in 1994. This upgraded gun is also known as CAESAR 2. In 2017, the CAESAR 8x8 was selected by Denmark to replace the American M109 self-propelled gun. With this initial success, Nexter is motivated to further improve the CAESAR 8x8 for export to many other markets. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| Notably, in March 2015, TTU Online published information stating that Nexter Systems is expected to sign a contract to supply Vietnam with 18 CAESAR self-propelled artillery systems and an option to purchase 108 more. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| However, since then, there has been no information about whether Vietnam has signed, is about to receive, or has received the French CAESAR self-propelled artillery. This has given rise to speculation that the deal has been cancelled. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| The launch and readiness to export the CAESAR 8x8 self-propelled howitzer is said to be another attempt by France to convince Vietnam and many other countries to buy this artillery model. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| Compared to the first generation CAESAR, CAESAR 2 stands out in improving the firepower of the gun with the integration of a fully automatic loading system that significantly reduces the gunner's crew, fires faster, and is more accurate with a new fire control system. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| The reason why the new generation is called CAESAR 8x8 is because this artillery system is integrated on the new Tatra T815-7 8x8 off-road wheeled chassis. Its payload is of course much larger than the Renault Sherpa 5 6x6 chassis, which allows for the integration of additional support equipment for the gunner while still ensuring operational mobility. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| The self-propelled artillery system still uses the 155mm L52 howitzer of the old CAESAR, but integrates a fully automatic loading system for a firing rate of up to 6 rounds/minute, the operating crew only needs 2-3 people (the first generation CAESAR needed 6 people). Photo source: Military-Today |
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| Close-up of the CAESAR 8x8's automatic loading system – significantly freeing up the gunner's combat power. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| The CAESAR 8x8 uses the same standard 155mm artillery shells including extended-range high-explosive fragmentation shells (42kg or up to 55km with VLAP launch), cluster munitions with small anti-tank bombs or fragmentation bombs, smoke shells, illumination shells and especially the high-precision self-guided anti-tank shells BONUS or SPACIDO. Of which, the BONUS shell carries two anti-tank sub-munitions with a range of 34km. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| Extremely special and impressive is the CAESAR 8x8's ability to fire MRSI - which can be understood as firing multiple shells at the same time at a target. Specifically, it can fire multiple shells flying in different trajectories but falling into the same position at the same time. This way of firing is very effective, preventing enemy counter-fire using artillery positioning radar systems. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| In terms of ammunition carrying capacity, the Tatra T815-7 8x8 chassis allows carrying twice as much ammunition as the CAESAR 6x6 (30 vs. 18). In addition, when operating, each 8-gun battery will have an ammunition supply vehicle attached. Photo source: Military-Today |
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| The Tatra T815-7 chassis is also upgraded with a 2-4 door armored cabin that can withstand 7.62x51mm armor-piercing bullets or the pressure from a mine explosion equivalent to 6kg TNT. With a 400 horsepower diesel engine, it can gallop at a speed of 90km/h, has a range of 600km, and can wade through water 1.2m deep. Photo source: Military-Today |
According to Kienthuc
