Emmanuel Macron reported on Twitter that France would quickly deliver the equipment needed for defense to Ukraine, in particular 6 more Caesar self-propelled howitzers of 155 mm caliber and "a significant amount of armored vehicles."
The French President also noted that France and its allies support and will support Ukraine in the future.
France will deliver swiftly equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself, including 6 more Caesar howitzers and a significant number of armored vehicles. France, the allies and European partners are and will be there.
— Emmanuel Macron (@Emmanuel Macron) June 30, 2022
It should be noted that Emmanuel Macron had previously announced the transfer of six Caesar installations to Ukraine. This happened after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on June 16. Therefore, it is not entirely clear whether discussion is about the new six howitzers or those about which the French president spoke earlier.
As long as necessary, until peace returns to a free and independent Ukraine, we will remain committed. Humanitarian, economic and military support to enable Ukrainian soldiers to make a difference on the ground against the Russian army’s attacks. pic.twitter.com/XN9dq9sUum
— Emmanuel Macron (@Emmanuel Macron) June 16, 2022
A few days earlier, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu told in interview Le Parisien about armored vehicles for Ukraine. He noted that France is preparing for the transfer of VAB-type armored vehicles and auxiliary vehicles of French production.
The minister clarified that such equipment is necessary for the Ukrainian military to move quickly in the areas of hostilities.
In addition, Sebastien Lecornu said that France is considering the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Exocet anti-ship missiles.
CAESAR (Camion équipé d'un système d'artillerie) is a 155-mm self-propelled artillery mount on a wheeled chassis, designed and manufactured in France. Barrel length - 52 caliber, rate of fire - up to 6 rounds per minute. The maximum firing range of an ERFB high-explosive fragmentation projectile is 41 km, and an active-rocket projectile is about 50 km.
The first CAESAR self-propelled guns were handed over to Ukraine approximately in May.
VAB - (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé) is a French armored personnel carrier developed by Renault and Saviem. It has been mass-produced since the 1970s.
Exocet is a French anti-ship missile. Adopted in France in 1973, after which it was repeatedly modernized. Exocet launchers can be installed on surface ships, submarines, aircraft and helicopters, as well as on coastal platforms.
