Image source: topwar.ru
The French Parliament's Defense commission has prepared a report stating that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost "a tenth of the CAESAR self-propelled guns transferred to Ukraine."
The document does not specify a specific number, but, as noted in the Altair publication, it is known that from 2022 to the end of 2024, Paris was supposed to supply 78 howitzers of this type to the Ukrainian troops. Thus, it can be estimated that the irretrievable losses in the battles amounted to 7-8 self-propelled guns. However, according to objective control data published by the Lostarmour resource, the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost at least 9 CAESAR units. The actual figures should be much higher.
It follows from the French report that CAESAR's losses in Ukraine are 2-3 times lower compared to other artillery systems of similar architecture (without specifying their names). Probably, we are talking about Polish Krab self-propelled howitzers, which are quite often found in photo and video materials when striking drones and barrage ammunition, mainly Lancets. Although it is possible that the German self-propelled guns PzH2000 and the Swedish Archer were meant.
The French believe that CAESAR's lower losses are due to its smaller size and simpler design. Allegedly, this makes it easier to disguise and repair in the field. In addition, the French howitzer has "emergency systems" (it is not specified what they are talking about, apparently, automatic fire extinguishing equipment), the use of which allows it to go to the rear after being hit.
Image source: topwar.ru
From other sources, it follows that CAESAR is less prone to breakdowns. Their combat effectiveness after 5 months of combat use was over 60%, while the PzH2000 and Archer dropped to 32% and 38%, respectively.
The report says that one self-propelled gun, which is in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, shoots from 60 to 90 shells daily. However, sometimes the rate of fire increases to 150 rounds. From CAESAR self-propelled guns, it is conducted mainly at maximum distances. This means that a full propellant load must be used, which leads to faster barrel wear. As noted, it is the barrels that are most lacking as spare parts for French howitzers.
Meanwhile, the Franco-German concern KNDS has not yet achieved its planned increase in CAESAR production to 12 units per month. Since 2024, we have managed to expand production, but it does not exceed 6 self-propelled guns per month. On the other hand, KNDS reported that it has managed to reduce the production cycle from 30 to 15 months per system.
