
The EDF has received its first batch of CAESAR Mk I 6×6 SPHs. (ECDI/Kermo Pastarus)
The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) has received its first batch of CAESAR Mk I 6×6 155 mm self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) announced in a press release on 30 January. The SPHs will be assigned to the newly established 3rd self-propelled artillery battalion under the command of the Estonian division.
Welcoming the arrival of the SPHs, Ramil Lipp, ECDI's strategic category manager for Armaments, said, “We signed the contract last June, and it took just half a year for the first CAESAR howitzers to arrive in Estonia. Considering the reliability and effectiveness of this weapon in various conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, it can be said that Estonia has acquired the best possible solution. This indirect fire weapon allows units to relocate quickly over a distance of 600 km on a single refuelling, and its standard calibre supports compatibility with various NATO munitions.”
Lieutenant Colonel Rauno Viitmann, the EDF's CAESAR procurement project officer, added, “The CAESARs increase firepower and reaction speed of the Estonian division, enabling support for units across the country in various situations when needed.” He said the SPH would be operated by both conscripts and reservists, with conscript training beginning in the coming weeks, followed by reservist training exercises planned for the third quarter of 2025.
Estonia signed a contract at Eurosatory 2024 with the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, and KNDS for 12 CAESAR SPHs, with an option for more in the future, as well as a framework agreement to join a joint European procurement of the systems.
For more information on Estonian artillery procurement, please see
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