Slovenia Bolsters Artillery with €170M French Caesar MKII Obus Deal – A Sign of Rising European Defense Spending
June 29, 2025 – In a meaningful move to modernize its armed forces amidst escalating European security concerns, Slovenia has finalized a deal to purchase 18 self-propelled Caesar MKII howitzers from France, with the first 12 units slated for delivery in 2028 and the remaining six by 2030. The total investment for the artillery upgrade is estimated at €170 million.
This acquisition is being facilitated through the European Joint Acquisition agreement, a collaborative purchasing initiative established by six European nations – Slovenia, Croatia, estonia, France, Portugal, and Bulgaria – to streamline defense procurement and leverage collective bargaining power. france is authorized to oversee the acquisitions on behalf of the group.The purchase comes on the heels of Slovenia’s National Assembly approving a commitment to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP in 2025, with plans to reach 3% by 2030. A letter of intent for the Caesar systems was initially signed in July 2024, and this recent confirmation solidifies the commitment. The initial €110 million will cover the first 12 obuses,manufactured by Nexter Systems (part of the KNDS group).
Why This Matters:
European Defense Integration: The Joint Acquisition Agreement represents a growing trend towards greater defense cooperation within Europe, driven by a perceived need to enhance collective security. Increased Defense spending: Slovenia’s commitment to increasing its defense budget reflects a broader pattern across europe, as nations respond to geopolitical instability and the war in Ukraine.
Modernization of Slovenian armed Forces: The Caesar MKII is a modern,highly mobile artillery system,significantly enhancing Slovenia’s firepower and responsiveness.
Strategic Implications: The acquisition signals Slovenia’s proactive approach to bolstering its defense capabilities and contributing to regional security.
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