Slovenia, together with Bulgaria, Portugal, Croatia, Estonia, and France, has formalized the joint acquisition of the modern 155 mm 6×6 Caesar self-propelled artillery systems, manufactured by France’s Nexter.
According to a statement from the Slovenian Ministry of Defense, the country signed an amendment in May 2025 to the previously established Framework Agreement between the Ministries of Defense of Croatia, Estonia, and France.
+ オランダ空軍、AH-64Eアパッチ向けにAGM-179A JAGMミサイルを導入
The amendment allowed Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Portugal to join the joint purchase of Caesar howitzers, consolidating their commitment to modernizing field artillery among the participating nations.
+ CAESAR 8×8: The New Generation of 155 mm Self-Propelled Artillery in Action
The joint acquisitions aim to reduce unit costs through larger batch orders and to accelerate delivery timelines — as continuous orders ensure greater predictability and production capacity for the manufacturer.
First batch for Slovenia to include 12 Caesar systems by 2028
According to the Slovenian Ministry of Defense, the country will initially receive 12 units of the Caesar system by 2028, along with reconnaissance equipment and the ATLAS artillery information system. The total value of the order is €87 million, excluding taxes. A second order, currently in the planning stage, envisions the delivery of an additional 6 units by 2030.
Slovenia’s plans to acquire the Caesar self-propelled guns were first announced in July 2024. In addition to the artillery systems, the country also plans to acquire French Mistral man-portable air defense missiles, expanding its ground defense capabilities.
Portugal and Bulgaria also move forward with acquisition plans
Although official contracts have not yet been confirmed, both Portugal and Bulgaria have publicly expressed interest in acquiring the Caesar systems. Portugal plans to purchase 36 units to replace all artillery systems currently in service with the Portuguese Army.
“The agreement signed today foresees the purchase of up to 36 units of these systems. The goal is for all Portuguese artillery to be equipped with the same weapon system, unlike the current situation in which we have three different systems, with all the resulting logistical and operational consequences,” said General Eduardo Méndez Ferrau, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Army, during the signing of the framework agreement in October 2024.
Bulgaria, on the other hand, plans to replace its old Soviet 122 mm “Gvozdika” howitzers, although the total number of planned Caesar units has not yet been disclosed.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of Slovenia | X @KNDS_France | Wikimedia. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
