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Rheinmetall Strengthens Ukraine’s Air Defense With Additional Ammunition for Gepard Anti-Aircraft System.
On January 6, 2024, Rheinmetall, the German defense manufacturer, signed a contract with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to supply 180,000 rounds of 35mm HEI-T (High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer) ammunition for the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system. Confirmed in December 2024, this order, funded by the German government, is valued at several tens of millions of euros and reflects Germany's continued support for Ukraine amid growing aerial threats.
This collaboration between Rheinmetall and Ukraine exemplifies the German defense industry's ability to adapt to the demands of modern warfare (Picture source: Rheinmetall)
The ammunition, specifically designed for the Gepard, is intended to s Ukraine’s capacity to counter drones, missiles, and other airborne threats. Rheinmetall will manufacture the rounds at its Unterlüß facility, where the production line was modernized in 2023 to meet heightened demand for this type of ammunition. The Gepard platform itself is based on the Leopard 1 main battle tank chassis and is armed with two Oerlikon Contraves 35mm cannons. These cannons are capable of firing up to 1,100 rounds per minute with a maximum range of 5,500 meters when using advanced munitions such as FAPDS (Frangible Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot). The vehicle’s armament can engage a wide range of aerial targets, including drones and cruise missiles, with high precision and efficiency.
The Gepard is equipped with advanced radar systems, including a search radar mounted on the rear of the turret and a tracking radar at the front. These systems, operating in E/F and Ku bands respectively, allow for continuous airspace surveillance and automatic target tracking. The integration of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems ensures precise identification of targets. Combined, these features enable the Gepard to detect, track, and neutralize threats in real-time, even while on the move.
Since 2022, Germany has delivered a total of 55 decommissioned Gepard vehicles to Ukraine, drawn from former Bundeswehr stock. These systems have undergone refurbishment before being sent to Ukraine, where they have demonstrated their value in protecting critical infrastructure and ground units. In one notable instance, a single Gepard reportedly intercepted more than ten Shahed-136 drones and two cruise missiles during a single operation. Such performance underscores the system's effectiveness and cost-efficiency compared to high-end missile-based systems like NASAMS or IRIS-T. The Gepard’s comparatively lower operating costs and readily available ammunition have made it a strategic choice in Ukraine’s air defense arsenal.
The supply of 35mm ammunition, however, has not been without challenges. Switzerland, citing its policy of neutrality, declined to allow the re-export of its stockpiled ammunition for the Gepard. This led Germany to reestablish domestic production, with Rheinmetall stepping in to fill the gap. The first batches of newly manufactured ammunition were delivered in September 2023, ensuring that Ukraine could maintain operational readiness despite these obstacles.
Beyond the Gepard, Rheinmetall has also provided Ukraine with advanced air defense systems, such as the Skynex, which uses programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition. These systems expand Ukraine’s defensive capabilities by offering precision targeting against smaller, fast-moving threats. As a leader in cannon-based air defense, Rheinmetall offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes fire control systems, radar technologies, missile launchers, and surveillance tools.
This collaboration between Rheinmetall and Ukraine exemplifies the German defense industry's ability to adapt to the demands of modern warfare. The Gepard and its associated technologies play a critical role in Ukraine’s air defense strategy, providing a robust and scalable solution to the evolving nature of aerial threats. In a broader context, this partnership highlights the strategic importance of advanced defense solutions in ensuring stability and security in conflict zones.
In conclusion, the delivery of additional Gepard ammunition not only strengthens Ukraine’s defensive capabilities but also demonstrates Rheinmetall’s critical role in supporting European security objectives. As the conflict continues, the integration of advanced systems like the Gepard remains a cornerstone of Ukraine’s resilience against aerial attacks.