The Portuguese government has signed a framework agreement for the purchase of 36 Caesar NG self-propelled howitzers from France.
Delivery is expected by 2034, the country’s Chief of the Army General Staff General Eduardo Mendes Ferrao said on Saturday.
“The aim is for all Portuguese artillery to be equipped with the same weapons system, unlike what happens now, where we have three different systems with all the logistical and operational implications that this entails,” Diário de Notícias quoted Ferrao as saying.
The 155mm self-propelled system will be a significant upgrade to Portugal’s towed M114A1 howitzer, with increased automation reducing logistics footprint.
It will also enhance interoperability with NATO allies.
“We are going to reduce a lot in two things. Firstly, the number of people operating, because these systems are already digitized, therefore, they do not need as many men, they are automatic, therefore, the garrisons will be reduced to approximately half of what we have at the moment,” Ferrao added.
Caesar NG
Upon signing the procurement deal, Portugal will become the Nexter cannon’s fourth user after Belgium, Lithuania, and France.
The 6X6 new generation system boasts a range of over 40 kilometers (25 miles) and provides enhanced crew protection through an armored cabin.
It is equipped with a more powerful engine (460 Horsepower compared to 215 Horsepower previously), a new automatic gearbox, and a new chassis.
Additionally, the system features the latest version of fire control software and can accommodate the latest radio communication and jamming system.