How the 60-year-old German-made Gepard anti-aircraft gun keeps frustrating Russia’s aerial warfare in Ukraine.

As reported by Der Gepardkommandant on January 29, 2025, the German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system has been extensively used in Ukraine’s air defense operations, particularly against drones and low-flying aircraft. Developed in the 1960s and introduced into service in the 1970s, the Gepard remains operational due to its radar-guided targeting, firepower, mobility, and cost-effectiveness. Despite its age, the system continues to be employed effectively, and is considered by the Ukrainian forces as one of the best weapon systems delivered by Germany.
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The twin 35mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons are a key factor in the Gepard’s effectiveness in Ukraine, with each firing at a rate of 550 rounds per minute, resulting in a combined rate of 1,100 rounds per minute, with an effective range of up to four kilometers. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

A key reason for the Gepard’s effectiveness is its radar system. It is equipped with both search and tracking radars, allowing it to detect and engage multiple targets simultaneously. The S-band search radar provides a detection range of up to 15 kilometers, while the Ku-band tracking radar enables precise target detection and engagement. A former Gepard commander noted that the system’s tracking radar can lock onto small, fast-moving targets, enhancing its capability against drones. This feature helps maintain the system’s relevance despite the increasing use of missile-based air defense systems.

The Gepard’s firepower is another factor in its operational viability. The system’s twin 35mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons each fire at a rate of 550 rounds per minute, producing a combined rate of 1,100 rounds per minute. These cannons use high-velocity ammunition with an effective range of up to four kilometers. A documented case demonstrated the Gepard engaging and destroying a Shahed suicide drone, indicating its ability to respond rapidly. The use of autocannons instead of missiles allows for cost-effective engagements, reducing resource expenditure while maintaining the capacity to neutralize multiple targets.

The Gepard’s mobility also contributes to its operational efficiency. It is based on the Leopard 1 main battle tank chassis, which provides armor protection while enabling rapid repositioning, thanks to a maximum speed of 65 km/h. Ukrainian forces have used the system to protect energy infrastructure and other strategic locations by quickly redeploying it to threatened areas, facilitated by its tracked design and turret-mounted weaponry. Furthermore, the Gepard's reliability is attributed to its robust MB 838 CaM 500, a 37.4-liter, 10-cylinder multi-fuel engine producing 819 hp, which enables effective operation in various terrains. The vehicle's OM 314 auxiliary power unit, a Daimler-Benz 4-cylinder diesel engine, supports its radar and fire-control systems independently of the main engine, enhancing operational efficiency.

The cost-efficiency of the Gepard makes it a viable option for sustained operations. Missile-based systems can be expensive and available in limited quantities, whereas the Gepard provides an alternative for countering unmanned aerial vehicles. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat has stated that the Gepard has been effective in shooting down Russian drones with a favorable cost-to-kill ratio. This economic advantage ensures the system remains a practical air defense asset.

The continued supply of Gepards to Ukraine has reinforced their operational impact. Germany initially pledged 52 Gepards in April 2022 and later committed an additional 15 units. The United States also facilitated the transfer of 30 Gepards from Jordan. Additionally, Germany procured Gepards from Qatar, which had briefly used them before reselling them for deployment in Ukraine. These units were reportedly in good condition. To address ammunition supply challenges, Germany tasked Rheinmetall with producing new 35mm rounds, circumventing restrictions posed by Switzerland’s neutrality policies.

Despite being a Cold War-era system, the Gepard remains actively employed in Ukraine’s conflict. It has been used to engage drones and low-flying missiles, including Russian Shahed-136 loitering munitions and cruise missiles. One example includes a Gepard unit near Odesa shooting down ten Iranian-made drones in succession, demonstrating its ability to handle multiple targets. The system has also been credited with destroying a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile targeting a power plant in Kyiv.

As the conflict continues, demand for Gepards and similar anti-aircraft systems remains high, despite the development of possible successors. Germany continues to support Ukraine’s air defense efforts by securing additional units and maintaining a steady supply of ammunition. However, advances in air defense technology, including missile and laser-based systems, may eventually reduce reliance on traditional gun-based SPAAGs like the Gepard. Nonetheless, in its current operational context, the Gepard remains in use due to its targeting systems, firepower, mobility, and cost-effectiveness, making it a key component of Ukraine’s air defense strategy.