Paris is hosting the Eurosatory defense show, with the focus on self-propelled wheeled artillery systems such as the Caesar and Atmos, which have proven effective in the Ukrainian conflict. Military planners are increasingly interested in these systems due to the mobility and survivability they offer on the battlefield. The Caesar has been particularly favored, with Russian soldiers indicating fear of the weapon’s capabilities.
European countries such as the U.K., Germany, and Belgium have invested in self-propelled wheeled howitzers in response to observations from the conflict in Ukraine. These systems are designed for agility and quick deployment, allowing for rapid relocation after firing, known as “shoot and scoot.” The increased interest in wheeled artillery is driven by a desire for higher mobility and survivability compared to traditional tracked systems.
Western armies, including the U.S. Army, are considering modernization and looking at European models for inspiration. The need for more range, mobility, and autonomy has led the U.S. Army to explore self-propelled wheeled artillery options for competitive evaluation. The European manufacturers are showcasing their latest models at the Eurosatory defense show, highlighting the advancements in wheeled artillery technology.
Despite the ban on Israeli vendors at the Eurosatory show, Elbit Systems has expressed the immediate demand for artillery systems due to the conflict in Ukraine, with customers prioritizing the Atmos multiple-rocket launcher. The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the necessity for advanced artillery systems with greater mobility and survivability characteristics, influencing military procurement decisions worldwide.
Several countries, including Ukraine and Russia, have ramped up production of wheeled artillery systems such as the Caesar and the Bohdana in response to the conflict. The trend towards wheeled, self-propelled artillery is expected to continue as governments seek more agile and flexible long-range fires on the modern battlefield. The battlefield threats posed by drones and loitering munitions have made wheeled artillery systems increasingly attractive for military forces globally.
