Land Systems Leonardo DRS and KNDS join forces to offer advanced CAESAR self-propelled howitzer to U.S. Army

Leonardo DRS and KNDS have signed a strategic teaming agreement to offer the combat-proven CAESAR self-propelled howitzer to the U.S. Army. The partnership aims to deliver a high-mobility, long-range artillery solution that meets the Army’s demand for greater range, adaptability and rapid deployment — backed by real-world combat performance and modular design.

Leonardo DRS and KNDS have announced a strategic teaming agreement to bring the CAESAR self-propelled howitzer — a globally fielded, combat-proven artillery system — to the U.S. defence market.

The collaboration unites two leading defence manufacturers with deep expertise in mobile fire-support systems. Under the agreement, Leonardo DRS will serve as prime contractor, leveraging its long-standing platform integration experience, while KNDS, designer and current producer of the CAESAR, contributes its proven artillery and ammunition expertise. Together, the companies intend to present the U.S. Army with a mature, high-performing solution that can be fielded immediately to meet urgent operational requirements.

"The ability for soldiers to rapidly and reliably put artillery on target is a crucial mission the U.S. Army is addressing," said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. "By teaming with KNDS, we are proud to be able to offer the service a mature, accurate, and high-performing solution that is ready to be fielded today."

A combat-proven system for modern warfare

The CAESAR self-propelled howitzer has demonstrated its effectiveness in multiple theatres, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where 120 units are now deployed. Its 52-calibre ordnance provides extended range and precision firepower, while its high mobility allows rapid repositioning in diverse terrain. Designed for accuracy, adaptability, and sustained support, CAESAR enables fast response times, high survivability, and resilience against modern threats such as UAVs and loitering munitions.

"KNDS is proud to team with Leonardo DRS to offer the U.S. Army an affordable solution based on a very robust, accurate, and combat-proven artillery system," said Olivier Travert, marketing and sales director at KNDS France. "CAESAR’s 52-calibre ordnance has a superb, demonstrated safety record in combat conditions, in all climates, after firing hundreds of thousands of rounds. The lessons learned in three years of combat in Ukraine give us an outstanding position to offer the United States Army a state-of-the-art weapon that can be integrated on a U.S. tactical truck."

Expanding transatlantic cooperation

The partnership strengthens Leonardo DRS’s position as a key integrator for emerging U.S. Army programs while allowing KNDS to expand its European artillery expertise into the U.S. market. The CAESAR’s modular design, combat record, and proven production readiness make it a compelling choice for the Army’s next-generation artillery needs.

By leveraging their complementary strengths — Leonardo DRS’s U.S. manufacturing and sustainment capabilities and KNDS’s advanced artillery design — the companies aim to provide the U.S. Army with a state-of-the-art, deployable artillery system capable of meeting future operational demands with efficiency, reliability, and precision.