Portugal’s Ministry of Defence has signed a framework agreement with France’s defence procurement agency, the DGA, to purchase up to 36 CAESAR NG (Mark II) 155mm self-propelled howitzers manufactured by KNDS France.
According to a statement published by the Portuguese Army, deliveries of the CAESAR artillery systems are expected to be completed by 2034. However, the framework agreement only sets out the terms for future procurement of the howitzers, meaning that Portugal will need to sign an executive order to finalise the purchase.
Portugal is the fourth country to select the CAESAR NG howitzer. Agreements for these weapon systems have already been signed by Belgium, Lithuania, and France.
The Portuguese Army currently has limited artillery capabilities and operates ageing M114A1 towed howitzers. The CAESAR NG artillery systems will represent a significant advancement in Portugal’s efforts to modernise its armed forces. According to KNDS France, this weapon boasts a range exceeding 40km and is equipped with a state-of-the-art fire control system.
CAESAR howitzers are also being used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their defence operations against the Russian army. France has officially delivered 42 of these howitzers to Ukraine, while Denmark has provided a further 19 systems.