Estonia has announced plans to purchase twelve 155 mm, 52-caliber Caesar self-propelled howitzers as part of the Ministry of Defense’s new development plan.
The ministry intends to supply the howitzers to a new artillery unit under the command of the Estonian Defence Forces 1st Division.
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur described the plan as the “most important purchase of armaments” in the army’s reinforcement package.
Although the budget for the program has not been disclosed, a single Caesar is estimated to be worth $4.3 million.
The Estonian artillery currently has 24 mobile artillery units, composed solely of K9 Thunder guns from South Korea.
A Growing Force
Estonia has boosted its defenses alongside other Baltic states after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Efforts to heighten focus on its armed forces include arming its reservist training units with portable air defense systems, as well as developing an industrial complex that can produce ammunition for small-, medium-, and large-caliber units.
The country has also provided military aid to Ukraine, donating special forces equipment and opening a military cyber facility to counter Russian hackers attacking Kyiv.
