Portugal acquires CAESAR 155 self-propelled howitzers

To modernize its army weapons, especially field artillery, the Portuguese government acquired the French-made CAESAR 155 mm self-propelled artillery system (SPH). The signing took place on October 26, 2024 in the Rio Diz City Park, as part of EXPO EXÉRCITO, an exhibition held during the Portuguese Army Day Celebration. The event was led by Portugal's Minister of National Defense Nuno Melo and attended by several high-ranking officials, including the French Ambassador to Portugal Hélène Farnaud-Defromon. Before acquiring the advanced self-propelled howitzer manufactured by the KNDS company, the Portuguese Army was still relying on the M114A1 155 mm towed howitzer which had been in use for decades. The acquisition of an undisclosed number of CAESAR 155 mm marks a significant upgrade. The system provides the Portuguese Army with greater operational flexibility, faster deployment capabilities, and greater accuracy in fire support missions. The CAESAR system ( Camion Équipé d'un Système d'ARtillerie /Truck equipped with an artillery system) is equipped with a 155/52 mm caliber howitzer mounted on an Arquss Sherpa 6X6 truck.