Germany has finalized its commitment to fortify Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, successfully delivering the last batch of three Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This completion marks the full reception of the promised 52 Gepard systems, a testament to Germany’s support for Ukraine’s security. In the field, these Gepard anti-aircraft guns have showcased remarkable effectiveness, demonstrating their prowess in intercepting a range of aerial threats including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and loitering munitions systems. Of the total systems provided, 37 originated from German defense industry stocks, financed by the German government. Additionally, the transfer included 15 Gepards, previously repurchased from Qatar, further enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
Germany’s Ministry of Defence emphasized its ongoing support to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. This support encompasses humanitarian aid, financial aid, and military equipment, including weaponry and ammunition. Cumulatively, Germany’s military contributions have totaled 5.97 billion euros since the conflict’s onset. Additionally, pledges for future support amounting to almost five billion euros through 2028 underscore Germany’s unwavering commitment. These efforts solidify Germany’s position as the second-largest global supporter of Ukraine, following the United States, and stand as the leading European contributor, affirming a steadfast partnership in safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
The Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard (“anti-aircraft-gun tank ‘Cheetah’”, better known as the Flakpanzer Gepard) is an all-weather-capable German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG). It was developed in the 1960s, fielded in the 1970s, and has been upgraded several times with the latest electronics. It has been a cornerstone of the air defence of the German Army (Bundeswehr) and a number of other NATO countries. In Germany, the Gepard was phased out in late 2010 and replaced by the Wiesel 2 Ozelot Leichtes Flugabwehrsystem (LeFlaSys) with four FIM-92 Stinger or LFK NG missile launchers. A variant with the MANTIS gun system and LFK NG missiles, based on the GTK Boxer, was also considered. The vehicle is based on the hull of the Leopard 1 tank with a large fully rotating turret carrying the armament—a pair of 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons.
The guns are 90 calibres (3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)) long, with a muzzle velocity of 1,440 m/s (4,700 ft/s) (FAPDS (Frangible Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot) rounds), giving an effective range of 5.5 km (3.4 mi). The ammunition is 35×228mm calibre (STANAG 4516). The KDA autocannon has a dual belt feed for two different ammunition types; the usual loading per gun is 320 AA rounds fed from inside the turret and 20 AP rounds fed from a small outlying storage. The 40 armour-piercing rounds are normally fired singly with the guns alternating; they are also intended for self defence against light armoured ground targets. Each gun has a firing rate of 550 rounds/min. The combined rate of fire is 1,100 rounds/min, which – in unlimited mode – gives a continuous fire time of 35 seconds before running out of ammunition (with 640 AA rounds for both guns). It is standard to fire bursts against air targets, 24 rounds per gun for a total of 48 in limited mode and 48 rounds per gun for a total of 96 in normal mode.
