Leonardo, KNDS to Offer CAESAR artillery to U.S. Army

CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzer | Photo: Leonardo DRS/KNDS

Leonardo DRS and KNDS have signed a strategic teaming agreement to offer the CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzer to the U.S. Army. The companies said the system is intended to address the Army’s requirements for extended range and improved mobility in artillery operations.

Under the agreement, Leonardo DRS will act as the prime contractor, while KNDS will serve as the system designer and producer. KNDS currently manufactures the CAESAR, which is in service with several armed forces, including those of France and Ukraine. The companies said the proposed system for the U.S. Army would be adapted for integration on American tactical vehicles.

“The ability for soldiers to rapidly and reliably put artillery on target is a crucial mission the U.S. Army is addressing,” said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. “By teaming with KNDS, we are proud to be able to offer the service with a mature, accurate, and high-performing solution that is ready to be fielded today.”

According to the companies, the system’s configuration allows for quick repositioning in varied terrain and offers a high rate of fire suitable for countering emerging aerial and surface threats. KNDS said its experience with CAESAR in recent conflicts, including Ukraine, has informed upgrades to its mobility and survivability features.

Olivier Travert, marketing and sales director of KNDS France, said, “The lessons learned in three years of combat in Ukraine—where 120 CAESAR® systems are now deployed—give us an outstanding position to offer the U.S. Army a state-of-the-art weapon which can be integrated on a U.S. tactical truck.”

The agreement marks the latest effort by Leonardo DRS to pursue opportunities in the U.S. Army’s long-range precision fires modernisation programs. For KNDS, it represents an expansion of its artillery systems business into the U.S. defense sector.

The CAESAR system is currently used by multiple armed forces worldwide and has seen operational deployment in several conflict zones. The U.S. Army has not yet confirmed any formal acquisition program involving the system.