The first tranche of Nexter Systems CAESAR (CAmion Equipé de Système d'un ARtillerie) self-propelled artillery systems have been delivered to the French Army in Afghanistan.
Flown in by an Antonov An-124 transport aircraft, the first three 155 mm/52-calibre systems arrived at Kabul Airport on 1 August. A further five systems are expected to follow shortly.
The move marks the first operational deployment of the artillery piece in a combat zone.