French CAESAR howitzers show low losses in Ukraine, outperform German, Swedish rivals

This is stated in a report by the French Parliament’s National Defense and Armed Forces Committee titled “Artillery in the New Strategic Context,” according to Defense Express.

A comprehensive report from the French Parliament’s National Defense and Armed Forces Committee has analyzed the use of French-made CAESAR self-propelled howitzers by the Ukrainian military. The findings highlight that CAESAR systems have received very positive feedback from Ukrainian forces, a sentiment supported by operational statistics. Since their deployment in 2022, fewer than 10% of the CAESARs delivered to Ukraine have been taken out of service, which translates to about seven units out of a planned total of 78. This loss rate is notably two to three times lower than that of other Western artillery systems with similar designs, though the report does not specify which models for comparison.

The report attributes this resilience to several factors. The CAESAR’s relatively compact 6x6 chassis makes it easier to conceal and less likely to leave visible tracks, while its simpler construction allows for easier field repairs. Additionally, the system is equipped with emergency features that enable it to withdraw from positions even after sustaining damage. These design advantages have contributed to the CAESAR’s strong battlefield performance.

In terms of operational readiness, the CAESAR also stands out. After five months of active use in Ukraine, about 60% of the CAESAR fleet remained combat-ready. This is a significantly higher rate than that of the German PzH 2000 (32%) and the Swedish Archer (38%), according to the report. The higher readiness of the CAESAR is likely due to its simpler design and more straightforward loading mechanism. While the PzH 2000 has faced reliability issues since 2022, the Archer’s relatively high readiness rate is considered surprising given its advanced automation, though the report notes that more data is needed to fully assess these systems under similar conditions.

The report also sheds light on the intensity of artillery use in Ukraine. On average, a single 155mm artillery system in Ukrainian service fires between 60 and 90 rounds per day, with peaks reaching up to 150 rounds. This high rate of fire, often at maximum range, accelerates barrel wear and creates challenges for timely delivery of spare parts and replacement barrels. French industry has struggled to keep up with this demand, and production of new CAESAR units has not yet reached the targeted pace of 12 systems per month, with current output at about six per month as of late 2024. For comparison, Ukrainian production of the domestically made Bohdana artillery system has increased significantly, now reaching up to 36 units per month, though this figure includes both self-propelled and towed variants.

Overall, the French report underscores the CAESAR’s strong performance and reliability in Ukraine, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining and scaling up artillery support in a high-intensity conflict.