France has taken decisive action to bolster Ukraine’s war effort by pledging to increase deliveries of its advanced Caesar self-propelled artillery systems. “The logic of ceding materiel taken from the armies’ stocks is reaching its end,” the French defense minister, Sébastien Lecornu, said in an interview with Le Parisien. “From now on, the solution is to directly connect French defense industries with the Ukrainian army.”
In a recent announcement, the French government outlined plans to deliver 78 Caesar self-propelled 155mm howitzers to Ukraine within the year. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine’s long-term military capabilities without depleting France’s own defense reserves. The minister indicated that the French industry is accelerating weapons manufacturing, with defense company Nexter halving its production time for the Caesar systems from 30 to just 15 months.
The renewed support includes financial commitments from France, with the provision of 50 million euros to cover the delivery of 12 Caesar systems. Ukraine has already funded six of these advanced artillery pieces, demonstrating its vested interest in strengthening its firepower.Now, Lecornu is asking Western countries to help pay for the rest. “That leaves 60 [howitzers] to be financed, and I appeal to our allies to share the bill. We’re talking about €280 million, accessible to the various budgets of our allies,” the French minister said. If other countries produce military equipment for Ukraine that the French industry does not manufacture, Paris will be ready to provide financial support, he added.
Addressing the urgency of the situation, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov shared that Russian forces are outpacing Ukraine in artillery fire, emphasizing that robust artillery support is crucial for Ukraine to gain an upper hand in the conflict. In response to this dire need, France plans to supply 3,000 shells for 155mm guns per month to Ukraine starting this month—an increase from the 1,000 shells provided at the start of the war and the 2,000 shells per month that have been supplied since April last year.
The increased production and supply of artillery systems and munitions are part of a larger aid package from France. Alongside the Caesars, France has contributed a variety of military hardware to Ukraine, including light tanks, long-range cruise missiles, and air defense systems, coupled with support and military training. The aid extended by France since the onset of the Russian invasion is valued at billions of euros.
Enhancements to the Caesar systems are also underway, informed by feedback from the Ukrainian battlefield. The improvements aim to fine-tune the howitzers for more effective targeting of Russian tanks.
President Emmanuel Macron has also signaled ongoing and steadfast support for Ukraine, committing to additional long-range Storm Shadow missiles, several hundred bombs, and a visit to Ukraine next month. Macron’s stance that “We cannot let Russia win” underscores France’s strategic approach in ensuring endurance and reliability in military aid for Kyiv.
France’s efforts go beyond the provision of military equipment; they also include capacity building. Plans are in place to train between 7,000 and 9,000 Ukrainian troops this year, fortifying the human resource element of Ukraine’s defense strategy.
Relevant articles:
– France ramps up weapons production for Ukraine and says Russia is scrutinizing the West’s mettle
– France gives Ukraine 12 more howitzers amid flak for not pulling its weight, POLITICO Europe, Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:41:00 GMT
– France to deliver more Caesar artillery systems to Ukraine, Euronews, Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:50:33 GMT
– France steps up support for Ukraine through new military supplies, Shephard News, Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:16:00 GMT