Morocco Bolsters Military with French Caesar Guns, Raising Concerns in Spain

The Moroccan Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Nexter Systems in 2020 for the acquisition of 36 units of these Caesar guns for an amount of 170 million euros and 30 million euros for ammunition. These guns are adapted to the Renault Sherpa 5 model which has an optional armored cockpit, and can ensure the protection of its occupants against projectiles up to 7.62 mm, reports Moncloa.

The CAESAR has a 155 mm cannon and a length of 8 meters and can move at a speed of up to 90 km/h. Its range varies from 4.5 km to 40 km, and up to 55 km if using rockets or smart ammunition. Its rate of fire is six rounds per minute, with great accuracy.

With the CAESAR, Morocco is strengthening its army, which already has the American M-109 and M-110, the British L118, the Russian BM-21 and the more modern Chinese PHL-03. Morocco is also reportedly negotiating with the United States to acquire the modern M-142 (HIMARS) artillery rocket system.

Meanwhile, Spain is dragging its feet to renew and modernize its army, despite the obvious need, as most of its major military equipment is already obsolete, it is worried.