Leonardo DRS and European defense leader KNDS have entered a strategic teaming agreement to jointly propose a NATO-proven self-propelled howitzer for the US Army’s artillery modernization initiative. At the heart of their proposal lies the Caesar 155mm wheeled howitzer, a system developed by Nexter, KNDS’s French division, renowned for its precision, agility, and combat record.
Mounted on either a 6×6 or 8×8 tactical chassis, the Caesar blends long-range accuracy with high mobility and digital fire control capabilities, enabling engagement of targets over 40 kilometers (25 miles) away. The system’s battle-proven design has been fielded by several NATO members, including France, Denmark, and Estonia, and has seen active deployment in Ukraine, validating its performance under combat conditions.
According to both companies, the collaboration aims to offer the US Army a modern, mobile, and digitally advanced artillery solution optimized for rapid deployment, precision strike capabilities, and integration into next-generation command and control systems. The initiative aligns with the Army’s renewed push for a flexible and cost-effective artillery platform following the termination of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program in 2024 due to escalating costs and technical hurdles.
The joint Caesar proposal will compete in a field that includes BAE Systems’ upgraded M109A7 Paladin, featuring enhanced mobility and electronic systems, and Hanwha Defense’s K9 Thunder, which has achieved broad international adoption. Meanwhile, Germany’s PzH 2000 remains one of NATO’s most capable tracked howitzers, also tested in real-world combat. The Leonardo DRS–KNDS partnership thus positions itself as a key contender to shape the future of US Army long-range precision artillery.
