France’s Minister of Defense, Sebastien Lecornu, has announced that Ukraine has acquired six more self-propelled howitzers of French production, known as CAESAR. This development was reported by the Parisien publication.
According to Lecornu, before the Ukrainian conflict began, the company Nexter was manufacturing two CAESAR howitzers per month. However, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration of “war economics,” the production rate at the plant increased to four to six units per month. Lecornu highlighted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) currently possess approximately 50 howitzers.
The Minister emphasized that France plans to produce 78 howitzers this year. Additionally, France hopes that its allies will contribute to the increased production of CAESAR howitzers.
Lecornu stated that Ukraine is willing to invest some of its own resources into the production of these howitzers. He noted that Ukraine has recently acquired six CAESAR howitzers using its own funds to kickstart the initiative.
Furthermore, it was revealed that in the first half of 2024, the promised delivery of 40 SCALP air-launched cruise missiles to Ukraine will commence. These missiles have been specially adapted for launch from Ukrainian combat aircraft.
Earlier reports indicated that Russian paratroopers and special forces have begun training in the use of NATO weaponry.
