Germany to deliver Ukraine with 45 more Gepard and two IRIS-T SLM air defense systems.

In a recent interview with the German newspaper "Welt", German Brigadier General Christian Freuding, who serves as the Head of the Situation Center Ukraine within the German Ministry of Defense, confirmed Germany's commitment to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. The pledge includes the provision of 45 Gepard mobile self-propelled anti-aircraft gun systems and two IRIS-T SLM air defense missile batteries.
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Germany will deliver to Ukraine 45 more Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft armored vehicles and two IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems. (Picture editing Army Recognition)

The German Ministry of Defense has reportedly already transferred 34 Gepard systems to Ukraine, with plans to deliver 15 more in the following weeks. An additional supply of 30 Gepard systems, facilitated in collaboration with the United States, is anticipated to reach Ukraine by year's end. Two IRIS-T SLM systems have already been dispatched from Germany to Ukraine.

Earlier disclosures revealed that Global Military Products, an American firm, secured a Pentagon contract exceeding USD $118 million. The deal involves the procurement and supply of Gepard anti-aircraft systems for Ukraine.

Considering the ongoing air raids from Russian forces on Ukraine's major cities and frontline military installations, having robust air defense systems has become a crucial requirement for the Ukrainian armed forces.

On June 21, 2023, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 32 out of 35 Shahed exploding drones deployed by Russia, most of which targeted the Kyiv region. This incident highlighted the vulnerabilities in Ukraine's air defense system after enduring nearly 16 months of warfare. Russian forces also launched attacks on a crucial infrastructure facility in the Lviv region and used ballistic missiles against the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

The ceaseless aerial attacks from Russia, involving missiles, rockets, and drones, necessitate immediate fortification of Ukraine's air defense system. This will enable Ukraine to offer a more formidable resistance to the Russian military's overwhelming power.

The Gepard is a self-propelled anti-aircraft 35mm gun system that's highly regarded for its superior battlefield versatility and efficacy. Built by Germany, it is designed for short-range air defense and can rapidly respond to aerial threats like helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft. The system uses a pair of 35mm automatic cannons capable of firing at an impressive rate, and it's equipped with advanced radar and fire control systems. Its high speed, maneuverability, and autonomous operation make it a highly effective tool for air defense, particularly in frontline combat situations.

The Gepard 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun has an effective firing range of approximately 4,000 meters (around 2.5 miles) and it can engage targets at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters (around 2.2 miles).

The IRIS-T SLM, on the other hand, is a ground-based air defense missile system that provides medium to long-range coverage. Originating from Germany, it's a surface-launched version of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, designed to intercept and destroy hostile aircraft, helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions. It boasts an effective range of up to 40 kilometers and a high speed, with its seekers providing excellent resistance to countermeasures. The IRIS-T SLM's system's high agility, accuracy, and modular design make it an integral part of any comprehensive air defense strategy.

The IRIS-T missile has a range of up to 40 kilometers (approximately 25 miles) and it can engage targets at altitudes of up to 20,000 meters (around 12.4 miles).