Leonardo DRS and KNDS Sign Strategic Teaming Agreement to Offer High-Performance Self-Propelled Howitzer to US Army

Leonardo DRS and KNDS announced today that they have entered into a strategic teaming agreement to offer a high-performance, self-propelled howitzer system to the U.S. defense market. The team intends to present the U.S. Army with the CAESAR® Self-Propelled Howitzer, a combat-proven and reliable system that addresses the U.S. Army’s needs for greater range and improved mobility. It is a powerful and combat-proven system built for accuracy, adaptability and rapid worldwide deployment.

The agreement brings together two leading defense companies with deep experience in developing and delivering mobile tactical capabilities: Leonardo DRS, a global leader in platform integration, which will be the prime contractor, and KNDS, a global leader in developing mobile artillery systems and complete range of ammunition.

“The ability for soldiers to rapidly and reliably put artillery on target is a crucial mission the U.S. Army is addressing, and we are proud to use our deep experience in integrating best-of-breed capabilities to support this future mission,” said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. “By teaming with KNDS, we are offering the service a mature, accurate, and high-performing solution.”

The CAESAR® Self-Propelled Howitzer’s advantages can fulfill the Army’s immediate need for more capable artillery systems. The platform is engineered to deliver effective, longer-range artillery support with precision and responsiveness. Its rapid firing capability offers sustained support during engagements while its high mobility provides users the ability for quick positioning in virtually any terrain.

“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, chief sales officer of KNDS France. “This weapon is particularly suited to address the challenges that warfighters will face in the coming decades. CAESAR®’s 52 caliber 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 – where 120 CAESAR® are now deployed, provides us an outstanding position to offer the United-States Army a state-of-the-art weapon which can be integrated on a U.S. tactical truck.”

Teaming to pursue this emerging U.S. Army requirement underscores Leonardo DRS’s leadership and proven experience in identifying, developing and delivering innovative, integrated systems for new critical-need markets. The company’s deep complex integration capability spans all domains to support force protection, computer networking, C5I, and naval power and propulsion systems.