Facing significant contractual and technical issues, the Czech Republic is considering freezing future payments to KNDS France for the purchase of 62 Caesar 8×8 self-propelled howitzers. A letter from Lubor Koudelka, the country’s Director of Armaments, outlines this position, warning that no further funds will be released this year unless the contractor rectifies the delays and begins preparing the weapons for field testing.
Thus far, the Czech government has transferred 7 billion korunas ($332.4 million) to KNDS, with an additional 1 billion korunas ($47.5 million) earmarked for later in the year. However, as per a report from Czech outlet Novinky, the deal is at risk due to multiple performance and compliance shortfalls.
A primary concern is that the Caesar’s cannons have not achieved the specified 40-kilometer range in MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) operations—an essential requirement for Czech defense planners. Compounding the issue is the absence of clear data regarding the system’s compatibility with its ammunition, a deficiency that threatens to disrupt the fire control system’s functionality.
An unnamed defense official cited by Novinky explained that without this critical technical information, it is impossible to ensure the systems meet NATO standards or are compatible with the Czech military’s existing munitions. These concerns have prompted urgent calls for corrective action from KNDS before the program can move forward.
