Image reproduced from Taiwan News

The Indonesian government has recently signed a contract with the France-Germany joint technology group KNDS to procure a new batch of CAESAR (CAmion Équipé d'un Système d'Artillerie) self-propelled howitzers. This step aims to enhance the modernization of its armed forces and ground combat capabilities while initiating local production to bolster national defense autonomy.

According to military news website 'Army Recognition,' the signing of this military procurement deal coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Jakarta. The Indonesian government has signed a new Letter of Intent (LOI) with the KNDS group to expand the procurement of CAESAR self-propelled howitzers and 155mm artillery pieces. Furthermore, both parties aim to strengthen the industrial cooperation framework, including local production, assembly, and maintenance operations within Indonesia, thereby supporting the country's defense autonomy.

Previously, Indonesia placed its first order for 36 CAESAR Mk1 self-propelled howitzers from France's Nexter, now part of KNDS, in 2012. These howitzers were deployed in critical strategic areas to enhance the mobility and precision strike capabilities of the army’s artillery units. In 2017, Indonesia added 18 more units, bringing the total to 56, making it one of the few countries in the Indo-Pacific region to deploy this advanced wheeled artillery system.

The CAESAR Mk1 can be mounted on a 6X6 or 8X8 wheeled chassis and is equipped with a 155mm towed howitzer. It can fire standard artillery shells with a range of up to 42 kilometers, and when using rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP), the range extends to 55 kilometers. Additionally, it can be airlifted by transport aircraft such as the C-130 or A400M, providing both mobility and deployment flexibility.

In addition to France and Indonesia, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Czech Republic, and Ukraine are also utilizing this self-propelled howitzer, showcasing its competitiveness in the international military market.