Today, the Minister of Defense Lubomír Metnar informed the Government of the Czech Republic about the material concerning the acquisition of the modern CAESAR artillery system from the French state company NEXTER Systems. In the Czech Army armament it will replace the technically and morally obsolete DANA howitzers of the original Czechoslovak production from the 70s.

Picture: CAESAR 8x8 Self - propelled howitzer caliber 155 mm NATO | NEXTER / CC BY-NC-ND

Based on the prepared contractual relationship, a total of 52 new NATO 155 mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzers will be introduced into the Czech Army's armaments in the years 2024 to 2026.

The first four cannons for the Czech Army will be assembled in France, while the remaining 48 pieces will be assembled by Czech companies directly in the Czech Republic. Tatra heavy wheeled chassis with the 8x8 axle emblem and armored cab will be delivered to the company of the Czech holding CSG, which will also ensure the assembly of howitzers in the Czech Republic.

"The participation of Czech industry in the total volume of supplies has been crucial for us from the very beginning. And it will be fulfilled in full at 40% of the contract value. This means a high level of security of supply for the state and the Army, and great new opportunities for the domestic industry," Minister Metnar said.

The Ministry of Defense will pay a total of CZK 7.04 billion excluding VAT, ie CZK 8.5 billion including VAT, for 52 new cannon howitzers. During the negotiations, the Ministry thus reached an agreement on the final price, which is approximately CZK 1 billion lower than the initial offer of the supplier.

At the same time, the Ministry of Defense acquires a complete artillery system within one contract with one supplier and to the necessary extent according to the specific specifications and needs of the Czech Armed Forces. This will allow the Army to introduce new technology into the armament very quickly and thus quickly achieve full operational capabilities.

The agreed price was assessed by an authorized expert. It is final and includes the costs of necessary control and military tests, initial supplies of ammunition and spare parts kits, delivery of a training simulator system, training of Czech Army’s specialists and instructors or an above-standard two-year warranty, as well as incidental costs related to the introduction of any new equipment.

The acquisition was approved by the MoD’s College on Monday, September 1, 2021. The signing of the agreement between the Ministry of Defense and NEXTER Systems is expected to take place during the month of September. The Ministry will present more detailed information on the key project of modernization of the Czech Army’s artillery on the date of signing the contract.