IDET 2025: Serial production of CAESAR® 8x8 will be start in June 2025 in the Czech Republic

• The 19 CAESAR® 8x8s that have been in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine since mid-2023 have fired over 40,000 rounds.
• KNDS France is contributing to strengthening the Czech defense industry through multiple partnerships for the local production and logistic support of CAESAR® 8x8 and the certification of locally made 155mm ammunition.
• KNDS France will be exhibiting in IDET its latest developments, from Loitering Munitions to C-UAS systems and 120mm tank ammunition for LEO II.

The first two prototypes for the Czech army are ready

62 CAESAR® 8x8 have been ordered by the Czech Ministry of Defence. First deliveries are scheduled in 2026. The first two prototypes are ready to participate in the military trials which are to be conducted by the ACR this Summer. Gun crews and maintenance personnel have already been trained in France.

Meanwhile, final assembly of the first CAESAR® 8x8s will begin at Excalibur Army in early June. Teams from our partner have visited KNDS in Roanne several times to receive training, ensuring they are ready to begin final assembly in the Czech Republic to meet the contractual delivery schedule as well as industrial cooperation commitments.

Integration of key partners

40% of the CAESAR® 8x8 will be produced locally, strengthening the domestic industrial base. Excalibur Army is responsible for final assembly, Retia for communication equipment and fire control system hardware, Tatra Defence Vehicles and Tatra Trucks for the cabin and chassis. Cooperation with STV is also underway for the certification of Czech-made 155mm ammunition.

Training, artillery, C-UAV, loitering munition, and maintenance: innovations serving operational superiority

The Czech Army will soon receive the MRCT (Mixed Reality Crew Trainer). This mixed reality solution allows an entire crew to collaboratively train on the CAESAR® system without taking a vehicle out of service.

KNDS France is showcasing as well the 105LG, the world’s lightest 105mm towed howitzer, designed for rapid deployment units. Capable of firing 12 rounds per minute (and up to 20 with a 5-person crew), it has twice the rate of fire of its competitors. Its light weight, robustness, and maneuverability make it ideal for air assault and airborne operations.

Fully aware of today’s operational challenges, KNDS France is showcasing the ARX 30, a 30mm remotely operated weapon system. On the C-UAV version, the addition of a radar to an already high-performance weapon system makes it one of the most advanced solutions capable of countering emerging aerial threats. The French procurement agency (DGA) has already announced the order of 24 SERVAL LAD vehicles, equipped with this same ARX 30 cannon. The ARX 30 reflects KNDS France’s expertise in close-range counter-drone warfare. Designed to engage all types of targets, its very high rate of fire and ability to use airburst ammunition make it a key player in modern air defense.

The MATARIS line of loitering munition was launched by KNDS France in February 2025:

• MT-10 (formerly IXOS): T for the carrier’s architecture, 10 for its 10 km range.
• MX-10 (formerly MTO-CP): X for quadcopter architecture, 10 for its 10 km range. Already in service within the French Army.
• MV-25 (formerly OSKAR): V for fixed-wing architecture, 25 for its 25 km range.
• MV-100 (formerly LARINAE): V for fixed-wing architecture, 100 for its 100 km range.

Less than two years passed between the beginning of its development and operational deployment: the MV-25 drone has been deployed in Ukraine since January 2025.

Visit us at stand 17 – hall P