Malaysia to acquire 18 CAESAR SPHs from KNDS

A 6x6 CAESAR SPH is displayed at Eurosatory 2024. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)

Malaysia's Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to procure 18 KNDS 155 mm/52 calibre CAESAR truck-mounted self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), KNDS said on 16 June.

In a press release, KNDS said the SPHs will be delivered to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and maintained by local firm Advance Defense Systems (ADS). The deal includes a licensing agreement covering technology transfer and local assembly in Malaysia. KNDS did not disclose system specifications, contract value, or delivery schedules.

“Malaysia's order of 18 CAESAR systems in a regimental configuration directly contributes to strengthening the capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces,” KNDS said.

“Through a programme of know-how transfer and advanced industrial localisation with ADS, this contract also aligns with the Malaysian National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP), which aims to develop an autonomous, sustainable and resilient national defence industry.”

The orders follow the delivery of 18 105 LG1 Mk III Light Guns by ADS and Nexter to the Malaysian Army's 1st Royal Artillery Regiment in March 2022. At the time, ADS and Nexter – now part of KNDS – indicated plans to collaborate on a CAESAR SPH offering for Malaysia.

The CAESAR SPH is capable of firing six rounds in under a minute to ranges of around 40 km using conventional ammunition and relocating within approximately 2.5 minutes after firing. The range can be extended to beyond 55 km using rocket-assisted ammunition. It is available in 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled configurations.

KNDS had not responded to Janes queries at the time of publication.

For more, please see: DSA 2022: Nexter, ADS pursue CAESAR opportunity in Malaysia