Denmark orders four more CAESAR 8x8 artillery systems
The Royal Danish Army will acquire an additional four CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled artillery systems from French supplier Nexter Systems, the country's ministry of defence confirmed on 5 November.
Denmark's Material and Purchasing Authority has officially signed the agreement, taking the total amount of systems to be procured by the Royal Danish Army's 1st Artillery Division to 19.
The country's MoD had previously signed a contract with Nexter Systems in 2017 for 15 examples.
The CAESAR artillery pieces being procured by Denmark differ from other CAESAR systems, with the 155mm/52 cal gun mounted on a Czech-made 8x8 Tatra chassis rather than a 6x6.
As part of its acceptance into service, the truck's cab has been subjected to blast testing in Germany, according to the MoD, which included ‘two different types of blasts’.
These tests damaged the wheels and suspension, but the test dummies inside ‘survived’.
Firing trials have also taken place in Sweden using the first two examples, which have now been returned to France to prepare for additional testing and training that will take place next spring in Oksbøl.
The Royal Danish Army is expected to take delivery of the first CAESAR 8x8 next summer, with the four additional units planned for 2023.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up
The US Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-METT) programme is planned to provide a platform between Increment II of Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport and the Palletized Load System.
-
Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
-
Europe’s future tank hits targets as MARTE programme gains momentum
An effort to develop a new European main battle tank has passed several milestones on the road to a Preliminary Design Review which is expected within two years.
-
UK MoD clears British Army’s Ajax saying “no safety concerns when operated properly”
The British Army’s Ajax armoured personnel carrier has a chequered history but hopes were high when Initial Operating Capability was declared last year. More problems saw operations suspended but the MoD reports it has identified the problems and short- and medium-term solutions.
-
Land Rover retirement schedule puts pressure on British Army vehicle plans
The British Army’s plans to replace thousands of vehicles have been troubled with resets, delays and change. It is possible, however, that genuine progress is being achieved on two of the three segments in the programme.