Indonesia Signs Contract for 37 Self-Propelled Artillery "Caesar"

09 November 2012

Nexter Caesar self propelled howitzer (photo : Defense Studies)

TSAMTO - The company "Nexter Systems" has confirmed the conclusion of the Ministry of Defence contract to supply Indonesia with 37 units 155-mm self-propelled artillery system (SPA) "Caesar".

According to "Jane's Defence Weekly," a representative of the company in the exhibition held in Jakarta "Indo Defense 2012" under contract "Nexter Systems" will deliver SPA "Caesar" to equip two artillery regiments, battalions of three batteries each (6 units on the battery) and one for training.

The representative of "Nexter" not reported cost of the program. Presumably, the cost is 240 million dollars. Howitzers deliveries will begin in 2013 -2014 years.

Indonesia declared its intention to buy 37 SPA "Caesar" this summer. September 22, Indonesian media reported on delivery to the airport "Halim Perdana Kusuma" Jakarta two SPA "Caesar", which were to take part in the parade on October 5.

As in the French Army installation based on the chassis of the truck "Sherpa" 6x6 of "Renault Truck Defense" (Saudi version is installed on the chassis of "Mercedes-Benz").

In a related contract offset agreement "Nexter Systems" will give the company “PT Pindad" technologies that will provide the service of artillery systems in Indonesia.

Indonesia is the fourth customer of SPA "Caesar." Saudi Arabia in 2006, the three parties got 132 unit (the third game of the 32 ACS worth 210 million dollars was commissioned in September 2011.) Thailand received 6 units in 2009, and France ordered 72 installation and determined to get an additional 64 units. Denmark is considering buying 18 units.

SPA "Caesar" used contingent French army in Afghanistan and Lebanon.

French company expects delivery of SPA will strengthen its position in Indonesia. The country previously purchased 275 light tank AMX-13 and about 200 armored AMX-VCI, but is now in a suitable condition for use is about half of them.

(Armstrade)