Leonardo DRS and European defense manufacturer KNDS have joined forces to pitch the Caesar 155 mm truck-mounted howitzer for the US Army’s mobile artillery needs. This partnership marries DRS’s American systems integration expertise and industrial presence with KNDS’s combat-proven artillery design. The Caesar platform, a lightweight and highly mobile gun system, has earned a strong reputation across Europe and the Middle East for its ability to deliver long-range precision fire with a minimal crew and rapid redeployment times. Weighing around 18 tons and mounted on a 6×6 chassis, the Caesar offers a balance of mobility and firepower ideal for modern maneuver warfare. It can fire standard and extended-range ammunition up to 42 kilometers and beyond with smart projectiles. Leonardo DRS will lead the US production and assembly phase, leveraging its nationwide network to ensure supply-chain security and compliance with US defense procurement standards. The initiative also supports the Army’s push to modernize its fires capabilities by integrating digital battle management tools, onboard sensors, and automated navigation systems. KNDS and DRS plan to tailor the Caesar to meet US requirements, potentially integrating American communication suites and protection systems. The partnership comes as the Army seeks more deployable and cost-efficient alternatives to heavier tracked howitzers. The Caesar’s record of reliability in Ukraine and allied operations strengthens its credibility as a front-runner for future US tactical artillery roles. Analysts note that this trans-Atlantic team could open a new chapter in artillery co-production and standardization among NATO members, ensuring interoperability while enhancing industrial cooperation between the US and Europe.
