at the Caesar factory in Bourges, we are proud to see the gun delivered to Ukraine

Secret defense obliges, we will not know the exact composition of the steel alloy in which the barrel is forged. In this factory in Bourges, photos are strictly controlled. We cannot either photograph the streaks on the inside of the barrel which ensure the accuracy of the shot. In this factory of the Franco-German company Nexter, we are proud to produce the famous Caesar cannon recently delivered to Ukraine.

For Stéphane, the production manager, this very large caliber gun (155 mm) mounted on a truck weighing less than 18 tons is a benchmark in ground combat. “One of the Caesar’s strengths, apart from its mobility, is also its weight.” He points to the carriage, on which rests the cannon, taps it: it sounds hollow. “This type of part will withstand around 90 tons on a firing thrust. We are on major mechanical structural parts, but which are hollow.” This lightness allows the Caesar to fire six 50-kilogram shells in less than a minute and leave the scene before being spotted.

Another surprise, this machine, machined to tenths of a millimeter, is a weapon “rustic”a term claimed by Nexter spokesperson Alexandre Dupuy: “The Caesar is rustic. This does not mean that there is no technology, especially in the way of producing it. On the other hand, in the way of supporting it, it is quite simple. And besides , the Ukrainians themselves maintain the guns at their disposal.”

“The Ukrainians manage to use Caesar guns well, where other systems are more complicated and can therefore have a higher failure rate.”

Alexandre Dupuy, spokesperson for Nexter

at franceinfo

The war in Ukraine has boosted orders. Production rates had to be accelerated. The Bourges factory produced two to four per month. At the end of 2023, the factory will produce eight guns per month. The production lines had to be shifted in three shifts and the company hired welders. On site, the production line now operates 24 hours a day. “I do all the welds on the slides. It’s fairly controlled welds, with very precise controls, like radios, notes Louis, a recently hired welder. Not everyone is able to do these welds.”

This work requires great precision. At the end of production, Olivier checks the final assembly of the gun. “I see it as a product. Of course, when I see them shoot, I’m happy, I see that the product we made works. It lasts and it lasts. Of course, we prefer when even whether it is to defend than to attack. And then it shows that France is armed, knows how to defend itself and will know what to do if there are problems.

The French army should find after the next deliveries its usual endowment of Caesar guns. As for the Ukrainian army, it will be able, if necessary, to field around fifty in the coming months.