KNDS France has announced that serial production of the CAESAR® 8x8 artillery system will start in June 2025 in the Czech Republic. This development was revealed at the IDET 2025 defense exhibition in Brno, where the company is showcasing several new capabilities.

The CAESAR® 8x8 system, which has already been in operational use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine since mid-2023, has fired more than 40,000 rounds. KNDS France continues to support the Czech defense industry through multiple partnerships, enabling local production, logistic support for CAESAR® systems, and certification of locally manufactured 155mm ammunition.

The Czech Ministry of Defence has ordered 62 CAESAR® 8x8 units, with first deliveries scheduled for 2026. Two prototypes have been completed and are ready for military trials this summer. Czech gun crews and maintenance teams have already received training in France.

Final assembly of the first units is set to begin in early June at Excalibur Army. Czech industrial partners will contribute to 40% of the total production. Excalibur Army will handle final assembly, Retia will provide communications and fire control hardware, and Tatra Defence Vehicles and Tatra Trucks are responsible for the chassis and cabin. STV is working on certifying 155mm ammunition made in the Czech Republic. The Czech Army will also receive the Mixed Reality Crew Trainer (MRCT) to enhance training without removing systems from service.

KNDS France is also exhibiting several other systems at IDET 2025:

  • The 105LG lightweight howitzer, designed for rapid deployment and capable of up to 20 rounds per minute with a 5-person crew.

  • The ARX 30, a 30mm remotely operated weapon station. The system includes a radar for counter-drone capabilities and is already selected by the French DGA for 24 SERVAL LAD vehicles.

  • The MATARIS family of loitering munitions, featuring:

KNDS France continues to demonstrate its industrial leadership in artillery, remote weapon systems, and UAV technologies.