Ukraine to receive more Caesar self-propelled howitzers - France triples production
France has tripled its production of self-propelled howitzer systems Caesar. As a result, Ukraine could potentially acquire a significantly larger number of these artillery pieces, according to Nicolas Chamussy, the CEO of Nexter Group and Vice President of the French defense industry association.
At the Defense Industry Forum, Nicolas Chamussy, the CEO of Nexter Group and Vice President of the French defense industry association, mentioned that Ukraine could receive more Caesar self-propelled howitzer systems.
"We have supplied Ukraine with various weapon systems, spare parts, and trained Ukrainian soldiers in servicing and repairing our systems. We continue to send spare parts. So, this forum is about understanding what to do next in terms of local production," he said.
Chamussy also noted that he signed an agreement with Ukraine's Defense Procurement Agency. Under the agreement, all French and Ukrainian companies can sign individual contracts.
He further emphasized that Ukraine could receive more Caesar self-propelled howitzer systems.
"Caesar is very powerful and adapted for use by your military. So, I suppose there will be more Caesar deliveries. We have made significant changes in the industrial process to increase production capabilities. Since the beginning of the war, we have tripled the production of Caesar self-propelled howitzers and doubled the production of ammunition. Our common goal is to assist Ukraine," Chamussy stated.
International Defense Industry Forum
The First International Defense Industry Forum (DFNC1) took place in Kyiv on September 29. It brought together 252 companies from over 30 countries.
The forum featured manufacturers of tanks, artillery, drones, ammunition, developers of innovative software, and owners of unique advanced technologies from partner countries. Ukrainian state and private defense industry enterprises also participated.
During the forum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the establishment of an alliance of defense industries and a special fund in the defense sector. The fund will be funded by assets from Russia and dividends from state defense assets.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 38 defense companies from 19 countries have already joined the alliance.