KNDS presented its latest developments at the IDET arms fair in Brno (Czech Republic) – from loitering ammunition and C-UAS systems to 120-millimetre tank ammunition for the Leopard 2. However, the biggest innovation was not on display in Brno: the 155-millimetre Caesar howitzer. KNDS announced the start of production at the same time as the trade fair – but not on a 6×6 chassis, as with the systems for Ukraine, but on an 8×8 chassis.
This increases the ammunition capacity, offers better protection compared to the 6×6 vehicle and – in the specific case of the Czech Republic – a significant contribution from domestic industry. France is contributing to this through several partnerships: local production, logistical support and the certification of Czech-made 155-millimeter ammunition will strengthen the national defence industry.
Two prototypes completed
In September 2021, the Czech Republic awarded the contract initially awarded the contract for the procurement of 52 Caesar howitzers to KNDSand the order was later extended to 62 systems. The order is worth around 410 million euros – a clear sign of the ongoing modernization of the Czech armed forces (ACR). The first two units have already been delivered from the factory in Roanne (France) and are taking part in military trials. Full delivery is scheduled to take place by the end of 2026 – an indication of a methodically thought-out procurement strategy. The ACR’s gun crews and maintenance teams have already been trained in France.
Final assembly of the first Caesar systems is currently starting at the local partner Excalibur Army – presumably in Sternberk – in order to meet both the delivery schedule and the agreed industrial cooperation agreements.
Strong Czech industrial partnerships
Around 40 percent of the Caesar 8×8 system is manufactured locally. Excalibur Army is responsible for final assembly, while Retia provides the communication equipment and hardware for the fire control system. The chassis and the protected cab come from vehicle manufacturer Tatra Trucks and Tatra Defense Vehicles (-> Tatra Defence Vehicles also presented the world premiere of the Pandur 8×8 Evolution at IDET). KNDS also cooperates with STV in the certification of 155-millimeter ammunition manufactured in the Czech Republic.
In addition, the ACR will receive the Mixed Reality Crew Trainer (MRCT), which enables a complete crew to be trained virtually on the Caesar system – without having to take an actual vehicle out of operation.
Other exhibits at the IDET
At the IDET, KNDS presented the 105LG – the world’s lightest 105-millimeter towed howitzer. It was designed for rapid reaction forces, can fire twelve rounds per minute (up to 20 with a crew of five) and, according to the manufacturer, has twice the rate of fire of comparable systems. Its low weight, robustness and high mobility make it ideal for airborne operations.
Also on show was the ARX 30 – a remote-controlled 30-millimeter weapon system. In the C-UAV version, it is supplemented by a radar, which makes it one of the most advanced solutions for combating air threats at close range – especially against drones. The French defense agency DGA has already ordered 24 Serval LAD vehicles equipped with the ARX 30 cannon. The system was developed to combat a wide range of targets and impresses with its high rate of fire and ability to use airburst ammunition.
Diehl Defence und RV Connex arbeiten bei Zieldrohnen zusammen
MATARIS – Loitering ammunition in four variants
Independently of the arms fair in Brno, KNDS presented the MATARIS series of loitering ammunition in four versions in February:
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MT-10 (formerly IXOS): Carrier system with a range of ten kilometers.
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MX-10 (formerly MTO-CP): Quadcopter design with a range of ten kilometers (already in service with the French army).
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MV-25 (formerly OSKAR): Fixed-wing aircraft with a range of 25 kilometers.
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MV-100 (formerly LARINAE): Fixed-wing aircraft with a range of 100 kilometers.
Less than two years passed between the start of development and deployment. The MV-25 version has been in service with the Ukrainian armed forces since January of this year.
Speaking of Ukraine: the 80 or so Caesar systems that were delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2024 have now fired over 40,000 rounds at Russian attackers. According to KNDS, the Ukrainian soldiers have demonstrated a remarkable learning curve and – supported by spare parts deliveries – have quickly learned how to operate and maintain the complex systems.
Europe’s rearmament continues to be shaped by market mechanisms
The restoration of military capabilities has been a frequently discussed but controversial topic for the past three years. At the end of 2024, a KNDS spokesperson gave a realistic insight into the current challenges, such as scaling up artillery ammunition production. Particularly problematic: shortage of raw materials and massive price increases. The price of gunpowder has quintupled in recent years – a dramatic development that is significantly restricting planning and production.
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