Denmark introduces CAESAR 155 mm, Piranha 120 mm indirect fire systems

The Danish Army indirect fire support capability is being refreshed with the introduction of two new systems: the French Nexter Systems CAESAR 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled (SP) artillery system and the General Dynamics European Land Systems MOWAG Piranha 5 modified to carry the latest generation Cardom 10 120 mm mortar system.

These two programmes are being run by the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) and will replace legacy indirect fire assets.

Details of these new systems were provided at a recent Omega Future Indirect Fires and Mortar Systems conference held in Bristol, UK, by Major Michael Johnsson of the Danish Army.

The Danish Army’s remaining M109A3 155 mm/39 calibre tracked SP artillery systems are to be replaced by 15 of the latest CAESAR systems, which are based on a Tatra 8×8 chassis for which Denmark is the launch customer.

CAESAR is deployed by France, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, but all use a 6×6 platform (with 18 155 mm projectiles and associated charges carried). The Tatra 8×8 has improved cross-country mobility, a fully protected four-person forward control cab, carries a total of 36 projectiles and charges, and is fitted with a semi-automatic ammunition handling system.

Nexter Systems is also marketing a fully automated ammunition handling system for CAESAR, in which case ammunition capacity is reduced to 30 projectiles and associated charges.