CSG responds to misinformation on ammunition production for Caesar Howitzers project in the Czech Republic
Recent media reports in the Czech Republic have highlighted various claims surrounding the production of ammunition for the new Caesar self-propelled howitzers acquired by the Czech Armed Forces (AČR). The supplier of this ammunition, STV Group, was awarded the contract directly, on the grounds that it is the only Czech manufacturer of artillery ammunition. However, the project has drawn significant public and media attention, especially after an article by Jan Richter on Seznam Zprávy. Unfortunately, much of the information being circulated, often based on statements from STV Group, is misleading or outright false. CSG feels compelled to address these inaccuracies to protect its reputation and serve the public interest.
Background on the Project
STV Group signed a contract to supply ammunition for the Caesar howitzers in December 2022. However, as Novinky.cz and STV Group itself have confirmed, the ammunition has yet to be certified, and there is no clear timeline for when this will occur. In a recent article, Pavel Beran, STV Group’s Director for Special Projects, placed the blame on suppliers, specifically ZVS Holding, a CSG company responsible for manufacturing ammunition casings. Beran alleged that ZVS Holding failed to properly test or certify its components.
The Facts: CSG’s Perspective
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Timeline of Orders and Production
Contrary to Beran's claims, STV Group only placed an order for ammunition casings with ZVS Holding on June 20, 2023—more than 18 months after signing the contract with the Czech Ministry of Defense (MO ČR). Despite this delay, ZVS Holding produced the components within the agreed-upon timeframe. The shipment was scheduled for delivery by August 30, 2023, but was delayed by a few weeks due to STV Group’s failure to secure the necessary transport license for moving ammunition components from Slovakia to the Czech Republic.Despite this administrative oversight by STV Group, the delivery was completed without further issues. STV Group accepted the casings without raising any objections, undermining the credibility of Beran's accusations against ZVS Holding.
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Certification Responsibility
The certification of ammunition is a complex process that involves the entire finished product, not individual components. The responsibility for this process lies squarely with STV Group as the main contractor. Certification ensures that the complete artillery round, including all its components, meets the necessary technical and safety standards. Certifying individual components separately, as suggested by Beran, would complicate and significantly increase the cost of production—an approach that is both impractical and unnecessary.CSG and its subsidiaries, including ZVS Holding, have extensive experience with ammunition production and certification for NATO and Ukrainian armed forces. These processes often take years to complete and require rigorous testing. The suggestion that CSG or ZVS Holding failed to meet their obligations is baseless.
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CSG’s Manufacturing Capabilities
Within the CSG group, several companies specialize in ammunition production, with facilities in Slovakia and Spain. CSG handles the entire production chain, including the manufacture of casings, fuses, and propellants, as well as the assembly of complete rounds. This expertise positions CSG as a reliable supplier of ammunition for various artillery systems in use by NATO and allied forces.
Call for Accountability
CSG calls on STV Group to cease deflecting blame onto its suppliers for delays in the Caesar howitzer ammunition project. The facts clearly demonstrate that any setbacks are the result of STV Group's own actions, including late orders and administrative delays. Further attempts to misrepresent the situation will force CSG to explore legal avenues to protect its reputation and interests.
Conclusion
The Caesar howitzer project is a critical initiative for the Czech Armed Forces, and ensuring its success requires collaboration and accountability from all parties involved. CSG remains committed to supporting this project with its proven expertise in ammunition production and certification. However, it will not tolerate unfounded accusations or misrepresentations that undermine its contributions.
Through this statement, CSG hopes to set the record straight and reaffirm its dedication to the success of the Caesar howitzer project and the broader goals of the Czech Armed Forces.
