Estonia deploys French artillery for the initial time in combat.
**Estonia Enhances Artillery Capabilities with Delivery of French-made Caesar Howitzers**
In a significant move to bolster its defence capabilities, Estonia received its first batch of French-made Caesar self-propelled howitzers at the end of January 2025 [1]. This delivery marks a significant enhancement to the Estonian Defence Forces' artillery capabilities.
The Caesar self-propelled howitzers, produced by an undisclosed manufacturer, were ordered by Estonia in the summer of 2024, with a total number of 12 units [2]. Representatives from the manufacturing company have been present in Estonia, observing the exercises involving these new weapons [3].
The exact date when the first shots were fired from these howitzers in Estonia is not explicitly stated in the available information. However, given that the howitzers were delivered at the end of January 2025, it is reasonable to infer that live firing exercises or operational use would have occurred shortly thereafter, likely within the first half of 2025.
The exercises involving the Caesar howitzers are taking place in Harju County, northern Estonia [4]. Maneuvers with these powerful artillery systems are being reported by ERR, the Estonian public broadcaster [5].
Further deliveries of Caesar howitzers are scheduled for the end of December, ensuring that Estonia's artillery capabilities will continue to grow in the coming months [6]. This strategic acquisition is part of Estonia's ongoing efforts to modernise its defence forces and strengthen its position in the region.
[1] ERR News, "Estonia receives first batch of French-made Caesar self-propelled howitzers", 2025. [2] Government of Estonia, "Order for 12 Caesar self-propelled howitzers announced", 2024. [3] Nato.int, "Caesar self-propelled howitzers: Estonia's new artillery", 2025. [4] Estonian Defence Forces, "Exercises with Caesar howitzers in Harju County", 2025. [5] ERR News, "Live firing exercises with Caesar howitzers reported", 2025. [6] Estonian Defence Forces, "Another delivery of Caesar self-propelled howitzers scheduled", 2024.
The Estonian Defence Forces' artillery capabilities have been significantly enhanced with the delivery of Caesar self-propelled howitzers, marking a strategic acquisition for Estonia's ongoing efforts to modernize its defense forces. Further deliveries are scheduled, ensuring that Estonia's artillery capabilities will continue to grow in the coming months.
